SOURSOP (Annona muricata) LEAF MEAL FED TO Clarias gariepinus PARENT INFLUENCED THE GROWTH AND EARLY DEVELOPMENT OF THE F1 GONADS

Abstract

The study was carried out to determine the impact of Annona muricata on the growth of the F1 generations and the gonad development of C. gariepinus. 750 hatchlings of average initial weight (0.05g) and length (0.4cm) from the parent that consumed A. muricata were stocked in a 1.0x1.0x0.5m3 fiber ponds in a completely randomized design. The hatchlings were fed 0.2mm coppens as starter (endogenous) feed for two weeks and 0.3 to 0.5 for another four weeks. The hatchlings were weighed weekly to evaluate their growth in weight and length. The fingerlings were further restocked in an outdoor nursery pond 2.0x2.0x1.5m3 and reared for another three weeks for growth parameters, while the gonad development was evaluated at the tenth week. The result of the growth revealed that the hatchlings had continuous and exponential growth among the treatments; however, the fry that the parent consumed, A. muricata, recorded the highest growth and survival rate. While the gonad development of the hatchlings whose parents consumed A. muricata started at the eleventh week and the 0% inclusion started at 14th week. These revealed the potential of A. muricata in the diet of C. gariepinus for the sustainability of the aquaculture industry, the production of quality broodstock, improved growth, and gonad development.