Development of low-cost feeds for fattening of native catfish, Clarias macrocephalus

Abstract: Growth performance, survival, and feed efficiency in native catfish, Clarias microcephalus, fed chicken entrails, earthworm meal, and low-value fish meal were investigated. A simple cost-benefit analysis using this fattening approach was done to evaluate the profitability of using these low-value feed ingredients. Nine 30L aquaria were stocked with native catfish juveniles (about 20 cm in total length and 80 g in weight) at a density of 1 fish per liter. The catfish were fed cooked chicken entrails (Treatment 1), earthworm meal (Treatment 2) and low-value fish meal (Treatment 3) at 3% body weight for 60 days. At the end of the feeding trial, the growth of the fish fed various low-cost feeds was not significantly different. Survival was better in fish fed cooked chicken entrails than with either earthworm meal or low-value fish meal. Feed conversion efficiency (FCE) was relatively similar among the three types of feeds. A simple cost-benefit analysis using these low-cost feeds showed a return of investment (ROI) of 68-79%, indicating the feasibility of using these feeds for fattening of catfish. These preliminary results show that utilizing low value feed ingredients or food wastes as sources of feeds during fattening of native catfish are feasible. In addition, food wastage is reduced by bringing these food sources back to the food chain during aquaculture operations.