Effect of different feeding times on growth performance and blood parameters of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) under different stocking densities.

The current study was designed to evaluate the effect of feeding time and different stocking densities on water quality parameters, growth performance, feed utilization, chemical composition, and blood biochemistry of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus). One hundred and eighty catfish with an average initial weight of 196.8 ± 0.47 g were randomly distributed in 18 concrete ponds in (6 treatments). The experiment was based on the design of a 3×2 factorial with three different feeding times (8 am, 12 pm and 6 pm), two levels of stocking density (1kg/m3 and 2kg/m3). The experimental fish were fed on a commercial diet (36% crude protein), at a feeding rate of 3% of body weight. Water quality parameters, growth performance, feed utilization, chemical composition, and blood biochemical in all groups were calculated at the end of the experiment after 60 days. The results indicated that water quality, growth performance, feed utilization, chemical composition and blood parameters were improved significantly in groups raised under density of (1kg/m3) compared to those raised under density of (2kg/m3) at the three feeding times. As for the three feeding times, there were statistically significant differences in (8 am and 6 pm) groups about the 12 pm group. The current study recommends using the stocking density (1kg/m3) in African catfish culture which improves water quality parameters, growth performance, feed utilization, chemical composition, and blood parameters with feeding time (8 am and 6 pm) about 12 pm.