Optimum Dietary Crude Protein and Digestible Energy Requirements of Clariid catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) Fingerlings in the Tropics

This study determined the optimum protein and digestible energy levels for Clarias gariepinus fingerlings fed local feed. Sixteen diets of four digestible energy (DE) level (2400, 2600, 2800 and 3000 Kcal/Kg) each at four crude proteins (CP) levels (25, 30, 35 and 40%) were formulated and fed to the fingerlings for 70days. The result showed that the highest final weight of fish (34.24g) was obtained in the 35 %CP (DE of 2400 kcal/kg). The FCR decreased with increase in DE with the values obtained in the diets containing 2800 and 3000 Kcal/kg diet significantly lower than that obtained from diet containing 2400 Kcal/kg. The Protein efficiency ratio decreased significantly with increase in CP up to 35 %CP and increased at 40 %CP. From the overall results, it can be concluded that the best body weight values (Weight gain, RWG and SGR), were obtained at protein levels of 35 and 40% and energy levels of 2600, 2800 and 3000 Kcal/kg. The best FCR were obtained at CP levels of 30% and 40% and DE of 2600, 2800 and 3000 Kcal/kg. Therefore, for C. gariepinus the optimum protein levels lies between 35 and 40% at the digestible energy value of 2600 or 2800 Kcal/kg