Physiochemical parameters of Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) fed a combination of rice bran and Irish potatoes

Abstract

Twelve weeks (three months) experimental was conducted in the department of biological science at University of Abuja main campus, to monitor the study of physiochemical parameters affecting the growth rate of Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) fed a combination of rice bran and Irish potatoes. It was conducted between October to December 2012 using circular tanks of diameter 63 cm, radius 31.5 cm and circumference 198 cm with water retention capacity of seventy (70 litre). Sixty (60) fingerlings of catfish (Clarias gariepinus) of mean weight 0.59 g and mean length 0.8 cm were divided into three treatments A, B, C, with each tank having 20 fishes. Fishes in tank A were fed with coppens (control) with approximate analysis of (42% crude protein, 13% crude fibre, 6.7% ash). 50% of rice bran with 50% of Irish potatoes in tank B with proximate analysis of (13% moisture, 15% crude protein, 8% fat, 7% crude fibre, 14% ash) and a combination of (16% crude protein, 14% moisture, 6% fat, 7.5 crude fibre, 12% ash).  They were fed at 4% body weight twice daily (6-8 am) and (6-8 pm). The physiochemical parameters showed that the highest concentration of dissolved oxygen was observed in treatment A (6.43 mg/l) followed by treatment B with (6.12 mg/l). The highest Ammonia concentration was observed in treatment C with (0.82 mg/l) which surpassed that of treatment A and B. The water temperature of the treatment ranged between 26°C to 27°C. Treatment B showed the highest pH value of 8.51.