Influence of Aquazyme-Pluson Growth, Blood Profile and Nutrient Quality of Clarias Gariepinus Cultured in Net Hapas

The study evaluated effects of an exogenous enzyme (AquaZyme Plus) on the growth performance, blood parameters, and flesh composition of Clarias gariepinus in a twelve-week feeding trial. The enzyme was incorporated in a common commercial catfish feed (Blue Crown) at the rate of 0.0g/kg (control), 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0g/kg of the feed. These were designated as Diets 1 to 5 respectively. Fish were reared in a 1m x 1m x 1m floating net-hapas set on a concrete tank (10m x 8m x 1.8m). Triplicate groups of fish with mean weight of 4.30±0.3g were randomly stocked at 20fish per unit and fed the experimental diets at 5% of body weight. All analyses followed standard procedure. During the study period, there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in water quality parameters among the treatments and were within the suitable range for catfish growth and development. Growth performances improved with increase in enzyme concentration in diets. Here, Diet 5 (2.0g/kg) yielded the best: mean weight gain (204.51g), specific growth rate (4.60%/day), average daily growth (2.44g/day), food conversion ratio (0.94) and protein efficiency ratio (2.33). A reverse trend was observed in carcass protein and lipid contents. However, moisture, ash, calcium, phosphorus and iron contents increased with enzyme concentration in diets. This study revealed that exogenous enzyme (AquaZyme Plus) inclusion in catfish feed led to increase growth and improved flesh quality.