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Abstract
Growth and feed conversion were monitored in triplicate groups of the African catfish Heterobranchus longifilis (mean weight 11 ± 1.8 g) fed small (2.5–5.54 cm) tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and artificial feeds at various rates (treatments 1, 2, and 3), and tilapia or artificial feed (treatments 4 and 5, respectively). Artificial feed was a 42% crude protein commercial pellet. Live O. niloticus were fed at a rate of 4 g live tilapia/catfish/day. Pelleted feeding rate was 2%, 1%, 0.5%, and 1% of body weight thrice daily in treatments 1, 2, 3, and 5, respectively. After 70 days, mean weight was 180 ± 9.5 g, 157 ± 15.7 g, 147 ± 2.6 g, 77 ± 10.9 g, and 74 ± 10 g, in treatments 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, respectively. Treatment significantly affected SGR (% day−1) (P < 0.03) and pelleted feed conversion ratio (P < 0.0003). FCR was 1.09 ± 0.01, 0.63 ± 0.08, 0.42 ± 0.11, and 1.12 ± 0.13 in treatments 1, 2, 3, and 5, respectively. Profit was highest (P < 0.01) in treatment 2. Tilapia consumption seems to improve utilization of artificial feed and may be a way for some catfish farmers to save money.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors wish to acknowledge the assistance given by the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria, in the provision of the equipment used, and in data analysis.