Effect of various feeding frequencies on growth performance and previously starved fingerlings and juveniles of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus)

Growth performance in fingerlings and juveniles of African catfish Clarias gariepinus, was examined after various feeding frequencies. Fish were first fed once, twice, thrice and four times daily over a period of 10 weeks before satiation feeding resumed for 12 weeks. Monthly changes in weight gain, feed intake, nutrient utilization and economy of production were monitored. No significant difference was observed in the feed conversion ratio and voluntary feed intake both at the juvenile and fingerling stages. Fish fed thrice a day recorded the highest mean weight gain but no significant differences were observed across the different feeding frequencies in the juvenile fish. The specific growth rate value of 0.69 and 0.63%/day was observed for the fingerlings and juveniles had the least value in fish that were fed four times a day, while no significant differences were observed in all economic parameters measured for the juveniles across the feeding levels. On the contrary fingerlings fed once were significantly different having the lowest values from those fed with other feeding levels in the investment cost analysis and gross profit. It can be concluded that the fish fed at once a day for a period of 10 weeks, can still catch-up with others fed at higher feeding frequencies when returned to satiation feeding.