Haematological Responses and Nutrient Utilization of Clarias gariepinus Fed Fermented Groundnut Shell Diets

This research study was carried out to evaluate the use of fermented groundnut shell diet on growth performance and haematological parameters of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings. Semi flow through consist of fifteen plastic bowls were used and ten Clarias gariepinus fingerlings (mean weight (3.00±0.05g) per plastic bowl, each in triplicate. Five treatment bowls were fed experimental diets containing 40.00% crude protein supplemented with fermented groundnut shells. Diet 1 contain unfermented groundnut shell (control diet), diet 2 contain 12 hours fermented groundnut shell without potash, while the other diets, diet 3, 4, and 5 contain fermented groundnut shells with potash at fermentation time of 12, 24, and 48 hours respectively. The highest mean weight gain (MWG) of 5.87g, and specific growth rate (SGR), 0.51%/day was recorded in diet 5. The best feed conversion ratio (FCR) was also recorded in fish fed diet 5 (0.43). There was significant difference (p<0.05) in MWG, SGR, and FCR among the treatments. Results showed that fish fed diet 5 had the best growth performance. Weight gain by fish fed diet 1 (control diet) and diet 5 were not statistically different (p<0.05). But there was statistical difference in among the diets in specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio, and protein efficiency ratio. Results showed that there were increase in the blood parameters of Clarias gariepinus fermented diets compared to the control diet but were statistically different (p<0.05). Highest Packed cell volume of 22.23%, White Blood Cell, 15.50 x 103, red blood cell 9.35 x 106 and Haemoglobin, 10.35 g/dl were recorded in fish fed diet 5. All blood parameters obtained were between the range of recommended fish blood. It is concluded that using fermented groundnut shell as supplementary feed on Clarias gariepinus showed a slight increase in the haematological parameters compared with the control diet but it has no negative effect on the health status of the studied fish. However, diet 5 can be used as feed in aquaculture, to enhance fish health, survival and growth performance.