Growth and nutrient utilization of hybrid catfish heteroclarias fed maggot meal at varying inclusion levels

Abstract

Seventy-day growth trial was conducted with Heteroclarias:heterobranchus bidorsalis male x Clarias garienpinus female (mean weight 0.64±0.006g) fed diets based on various inclusion levels of Maggot meal.  The fish meal in the control diet was replaced with maggot meals at 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% levels to supply 40% crude protein in the final diets.  The trials were conducted in glass tanks (60cm x 30cm x 30cm).  Evaluation of growth parameters and nutrient utilization of the fish was based on weight gains, protein intake, protein efficiency ratio, net protein utilization, feed conversion efficiency and carcass analysis.  Best growth and feed conversion efficiency were obtained with the 75% dietary inclusion of maggot meal.  There was no significant differences (P>0.05) between the group of fish on 50% and 75% dietary inclusion maggot meal in growth performance and protein efficiency ratio but, there was a significant (P<0.05) difference in the NPU (Net Protein Utilization) and protein gain between the control diet and those fed on maggot meals.  There was no marked variation in the survival rate of fish on all diets.