The African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) is the most cultured and consumed fish in Nigeria. Thus, it is crucial economically and nutritionally. One of the major constraints to the sustainable farming of C. gariepinus is the cost and quality of fish feed. High costs of traditional feed ingredients, particularly fish meal, has resulted in the use of alternative plant-based sources with varying effects on the nutritional quality of commercial feeds. Fish provide high-quality protein, essential omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals crucial for human health. However, fish feed composition and quality are essential to fish composition and health and the benefits consumers derive thereof. The present study was conducted to investigate the influence of three commercial fish feeds on the growth performance and fatty acid composition of C. gariepinus.
An 83-days feeding trial was conducted in nine 1000-liter culture units. Each unit held sixty C. gariepinus fingerlings that were fed twice daily for 90 days with three different feeds (A, B, C). Their growth parameters, feed utilization efficiency, and fatty acid profiles were evaluated. Statistical analyses were conducted using one-way ANOVA, and Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. The results (Table 1) revealed that Feed A exhibited the best growth performance with a mean weight gain (MWG) of 226 g, feed conversion ratio (FCR) of 0.76, and specific growth rate (SGR) of 2.13. Feed B achieved moderate performance with MWG of 140 g, FCR of 0.89, and SGR of 1.88. Feed C displayed the lowest growth performance, with MWG of 105 g, FCR of 1.01, and SGR of 1.73. Fatty acid analysis indicated significant variations in the feed and these reflected on the fish flesh (Table 2). Feeds A and C contained the highest concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acids such as 22:6n-3 and 20:5n-3, making them nutritionally superior. Feed B lacked 22:6n-3 and so did the fish with them. These findings underscore the importance of feed composition on fish nutritional composition.