ABSTRACT

Comparative growth performance, condition factor and survival of Clarias gariepimus fry fed three different feed types: Coppens-Artemia, Inve-Artemia and mixed zooplankton were investigated in University Fish Farm, Umudike, Nigeria. A total of 1200 fry were used for the study in 3 x 4 Completely Randomized Design (CRD) experiment using 3-litre capacity transparent plastic containers. The experiments were conducted to validate relative advantages and general efficacy of the feed types for fry rearing. The fry in each treatment were fed to satiation four times daily with their respective treatment feeds. The coppens-Artemia and inve-Artemia were procured from Aquaculture products marketers, while the mixed Zooplanktons comprising Cladocereans, Copepods and Rotifers were produced with nutrient enriched pond water fortified with yeast and poultry droppings in outdoor culture containers. The mixed zooplanktons were harvested with 100 micron mesh plankton net and fed fresh. Water quality temperature, pH, Dissolved Oxygen and Ammonia were determined every other day using digital metres and Ammonia test kit respectively. One-third of the rearing water in each replicate was replaced every morning prior to first feeding to enhance good water quality during the rearing period which lasted for fourteen days. Fry were sampled 2 times a week for total length and body weight measurements. The values obtained were used to calculate the condition factor, performance index and daily specific growth rate in each replicate. On the 14° day of the study the remaining fry in each replicate were counted to determine survival and mortality attributable to the treatments. Data obtained were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOV A). The mean length of fish fed with Coppen Artemia, Inve Artemia and mixed zooplankton was 1.54mg, 1.40mg and 1.42mg respectively. There was significant difference (p<0.05) in the mean length among the treatment. The result also revealed significant difference (p><0.05) in daily specific growth rate, condition factor and performance index among the treatment. The best result was realized with the use of Coppen Artemia followed by the use of Inve Artemia. The mixed zooplankton gave the lowest result among the treatment.>