Effect of Mahogany Bark Extract on Growth, Feed Utilization and Proximate Composition in Catfish (Clarias gariepinus)

Abstract

This study assessed the impact of mahogany bark extract in the diets of catfish (Clarias gariepinus) fingerlings. The effects of four diets supplemented with mahogany bark extracts on growth performance, feed utilization and proximate composition was evaluated. Four diets were prepared using mahogany bark extract as a supplement at 0ml (Trt 0), 10ml (Trt 1), 20ml (Trt 2) and 30ml (Trt 3) per 100g of feed. One hundred fingerlings of Clarias gariepinus with initial weight of 1.25g were stocked in four treatments with a replicate each in 60 litre bowls at 20 fingerlings per bowl. The results showed a significant difference amongst the four treatments with respect to final weight, weight gain, daily weight gain, condition factor, feed conversion ratio and specific growth rate (P<0.05). It was observed that the least value for feed intake occurred in fish fed diet Trt 3. Group fed diet supplemented with 20 ml mahogany bark extract (Trt 2) was significantly higher in final weight (26.10±0.88), weight gain (24.77±0.88), daily weight gain (1855±66.20) and specific growth rate (3.26±0.03) and also lower at feed conversion ratio (1.26±0.04). This study therefore recommends 20ml mahogany bark extract (Trt 2) per 100g of feed as appropriate supplement for Clarias gariepinus diets.