Evaluation of nutritional compositions and haematological effect of locally produced fish feeds in Heterobranchus Bidorsalis (catfish) Fingerings

Background: The Insufficient feed availability in the natural or artificial environment of fish has resulted in their competition for survival. This has also brought about their poor yields and population depletion in their environment. Thus, supplementation of fish feed with cheap locally produced diets containing the essential nutrients needed for fish survival and growth is a necessity. In the present study, we evaluated the nutritional compositions and haematological effect of locally produced fish feed on Heterobranchus Bidorsalis (Catfish) fingerlings. Methods: Pearson’s square method was used to formulate three diets A, B and C using different fractions of local ingredients. A commercial feed (Coppens) was used as a control diet. The feeds were evaluated for proximate, minerals, and amino acid compositions. Forty fingerlings of 2 g body weight were divided into 4 groups consisting of ten fingerlings each. Groups A-C were fed the formulated diets while group D was fed with the commercial feed. Each group was fed 5 % of their average body weight twice daily in an aquarium for 49 days. Results: The results revealed a significant increase (p<0.05) in protein (44.12±0.15 %), amino acids and minerals contents of diet A than other formulated diets (B and C) but lower than the control diet. The results of haematological parameters showed that fingerlings fed formulated diet A was significantly higher in values for RBC, haemoglobin and PCV but lower in WBC contents than the groups fed formulated diets B and C. Conclusion: Formulated diet A yielded a better result in terms of protein content, and haematological status of the catfish. Therefore, formulated diet A is the most preferably alternative for catfish fingerlings rearing