Effects of feed forms and feeding frequency on growth performance and nutrient utilization of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings

A 12-week feeding experiment was conducted to determine the optimum feeding frequency and best feed form for the growth and nutrient utilization of African catfishClarias gariepinus.  Three replicate groups of fish (average weight of 3.05+0.25 g) were fed at 5% body weight using either floating or sinking pellets at different feeding frequencies (three meals a day, two meals a day or one meal a day) in a 2 × 3 factorial experimental design. The mean weight gain and daily feed intake of the fish were not affected significantly by the feed forms; however the fish fed with floating pellets had a slight higher weight gain than those fed with the sinking pellets. The weight gain and daily feed intake of fish fed floating or sinking pellets twice a day and thrice a day were significantly higher than that of the fish fed once in a day (p < 0.05). The feeding frequency did not have any effect on the feed efficiency and protein efficiency ratio in the fish fed with sinking pellet but these variables were significantly (p < 0.05) affected in the fish fed once in a day when compared with other feeding frequencies while using floating pellet. The feeding frequencies and feed forms had no significant effect on the protein content of the fish carcass. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were recorded in the lipid content of fish as feeding frequency increases. It is therefore concluded that any of these fish feed forms can be fed at twice or thrice per day effectively for optimum result in the growth of C. gariepinus.   Key words: African catfish (Clarias gariepinus), feed frequency, feed form, growth, nutrient utilization.