Effect of Feed Formulas with ACHETA Domesticus on Some Zootechnical Parameters of Catfish (Clarias Gariepinus)
Abstract:
To assess the effect of feed formulations with Acheta domesticus on some zootechnical parameters of catfish, Clarias gariepinus, an in vivo study was conducted in a fish farm at Zamakoe in the Center Region of Cameroon. For this purpose, a total of 240 larvae weighing in average 20 g were divided into twelve (12) batches, corresponding to six treatments (06) with 2 duplicates each. These rations were: T100, T80, T60, T40, T20 and T0, formulated on the basis of the level of substitution of “gouessant”, a commercial feed. A completely randomized design was used for the distribution of the larvae. They were fed three times a day (08:00 h, 13:00 h and 18:00 h) at a rate of 6.5 % of their body weight during the first three weeks and then afterwards, 5 % until the end of the experiment, which lasted for four weeks. Data on survival rate, weight gain, Apparent Conversion Rate and the specific growth rate, were collected daily. Additionally, data on financial profitability were carried out. It was found that the highest average values of the survival rate were observed with T0 (85.00%) and T100 (85.00%) and the lowest average value was observed for T40 (75%). The best daily weight earning during this experiment was recorded with T0 (2.01 g) and the lowest value was recorded at the level of T20 (1.36 g). The highest cost was incurred with the T0 feed (616.57 FCFA) significantly higher than the T100 feed (124.48 CFA). The use of these feeds generated a gain in total final biomass of 1259.97 g with the T100 feed against 1003.33 g for the T20 feed. In conclusion, with the current state of knowledge, we consider the T100 diet constituted as a viable alternative to commercial feed since it is relatively cheaper, easy to formulate and yields good results.
