Economic Performance of Clarias gariepinus Juveniles Fed Separately with Factory and Farm-Made Diets

Economic performance of using Coppens (commercial fish feed) and locally formulated feeds for Clarias gariepinus culture was studied. Forty juveniles averaging a total length of 9.15 ± 0.17cm and weight of 20.00 ± 2.58g were used and fed twice daily at 3% of their body weight. The weight gain (WG), growth rate (GR) and specific growth rate (SGR) varied significantly (p<0.05), while mean growth rate (MGR) varied insignificantly between treatment groups (p>0.05). Water parameters were at the required level. Cost of experimental feed per kilogram was highest in Coppens (₦733.33 ($2.156853)/kg) but lowest for chicken offal based diet (COBD) (₦267.00 ($0.785294)/kg). Feed consumption was higher for Coppens group (41650.00g ± 315.34) but lowest for COBD group (38276.00g ± 432.97). Cost of feeding (FC) was lower for COBD group (₦ 10219.69 ($30.057912) ±115.60) but higher in shrimp based diet (SBD) group (₦ 30,543.19 ($89.832912) ± 231.25). The ICA was higher in fish fed Coppens (₦ 1933.33 ($5.686265) ± 0.00) but lower for COBD group (₦1467.00 ($4.314706) ± 0.00). The NPV was higher in fish fed Coppens (₦ 440998.26 ($1297.053706) ±11636.93), but lower in COBD group (₦ 132916.16 ($390.929882) ± 3297.24). The PI was highest in Coppens group (₦14.44 ($0.042471) ± 0.35) but lowest in COBD group (₦ 13.01 ($0.038265) ± 0.43). The GP was higher in Coppens group (₦439064.93 ($1291.367441) ± 11636.93) but lower in COBD group (₦131449.16 ($386.615176) ± 3297.24). The IC was higher in Coppens group (₦228.10 ($0.670882) ± 6.02) but lower in COBD group (₦90.61 ($0.266500) ± 2.25). The BCR was higher in fish fed coppens (1.78±0.04) but lowest in COBD group (0.71±0.01). Feed consumed, FC, ICA, NPV, PI, GP and IC varied significantly (p<0.05), while BCR varied insignificantly (p>0.05) between treatment group. The SBD and COBD were as effective as Coppens in terms of growth performance and economic benefits. More researches should be carried out on the use of locally formulated feeds in aquaculture.