GROWTH RESPONSE AND SURVIVAL RATE OF CLARIAS GARIEPINUS FED WITH GRADED LEVELS OF RAW SENNA OBTUSIFOLIA (Glycine max) AS A PARTIAL REPLACEMENT OF SOYA BEANS

Abstract

Study was carried out on the growth response of Clarias gariepinus fed with graded levels of raw Senna obtusifolia (glycine max) in the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Adamawa State University Mubi. C. gariepinus with average mean weight of 4.32 0.01g and mean length of 6.72 0.00cm, were used for the experiment for the period of eight (8) weeks (56 days). Feed were formulated as D1 (0.00g), D2 (25.00g), D3 (50.00g), D4 (75.00g), and D5 (20.00g) inclusion level of raw S. obtusifolia seed meal as a partial replacement of Soya beans. The feed formulated contained 40% crude protein as required by the fish species. Five (5) treatment and three replicates (with the exception of D1 (control) and D5 (100%) inclusion) were used for the experiment with 20 juveniles stocked in each. The research work lasted for the period of eight (8) weeks (56 days) in experimental tanks measured 1.00m³(length, width, and depth)respectively. Water quality parameters were monitored bi-weekly throughout the period of study. Growth indices were measured weekly and summed  at the end of the experiment. A significant difference (P<0.05) was reported in the growth of C. gariepinus where by the C. gariepinus fed with 25% inclusion level of S. obtusifolia had the highest weight gain, length gain, and specific growth rate; of 3.80 0.00^b, 2.90 0.02^a, and 0.42 0.08^a respectively, while fish fed with diet containing 100% inclusion, had the least weight gain, length gain, and specific growth rate of 0.70 0.00^d, 1.30 0.00^d, and 0.17 0.03^d respectively. Also C. gariepinus fed with 25% inclusion had the highest Survival rate of 91.33 0.03^a, while those fed with 100% inclusion level of S. obtusifolia seed meal recorded the least survival rate of 81.00 0.00^d and was also significantly different(P<0.05). In all treatment the fish were in good condition throughout the experimental period because the condition factor (K) recorded for this experiment ranged from 0.82 0.00^b to   0.87 0.00^a   in 100% and 25% inclusion level respectively. Therefore S.obtusifolia can be a potential replacement for Soya beans in the diet of C. gariepinus but at a low inclusion levels. Physicochemical parameters obtained in this study were significantly different (P>0.05) except pH which was not significant (P<0.05) and were within recommended the range for the culture of C. gariepinus defined for warm fish species.