EFFECT OF AFLATOXIN-CONTAMINATED FEED ON THE GROWTH AND FEED UTILIZATION OF Clarias gariepinus (BURCHELL 1822) FINGERLINGS

Abstract

A feeding trial was conducted to assess the effect of aflatoxin contaminated diet on the growth and feed utilization of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings. A combination of moldy feed and good feed was done to obtain 5 treatments: I (0% moldy feed and 100% good feed), II (25% moldy feed and 75% good feed), III (50% moldy feed and 50% good feed), IV (75% moldy feed and 25% good feed) and V (100% moldy feed and 0% good feed). The lowest specific growth rate (1.61± 0.09), protein efficiency ratio (0.11± 0.01) and feed conversion efficiency (59.1±3.90) was recorded in treatment V. The lowest survival rate (65%) was recorded in treatment III. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in the specific growth rate and feed conversion efficiency of the fish fed the different diets. There was significant difference (P≤0.05) in the protein efficiency ratio and survival of the fish. Proximate composition values of fish carcass analysed indicate ash ranged between 7.64±0.58 (Treatment IV) and 7.80±0.78 (Treatment V). The highest (2.77±0.52) for crude fibre was in Treatment II. The range of crude protein variation was between 54.31±1.62 (Treatment II) and 69.13±2.03 (Treatment III). Treatment II and III moisture content were the lowest (11.23±1.03) and highest (15.78±1.01) respectively. Crude protein and ash in the fish varied significantly (P<0.05). There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in the crude fibre and moisture content of the fish. In order to safe guard fish growth and health, deliberate measures should be employed to ensure fish feed protected from conditions that favours the growth of fungi.