ABSTRACT
Catfish farming is a significant component of aquaculture, and optimizing feed sources is vital for sustainable production. Maggots, the larvae of various fly species, have emerged as a potential natural food source for Clarias gariepinus due to their nutrient-rich composition and sustainability. Conversely, artificial feed formulations have been traditionally used in catfish farming. This study aims to evaluate and compare the growth performance of African catfish Clarias gariepinus fed maggots and artificial feed to determine the most effective feeding strategy.
The experiment was designed as a complete randomized design made up of three treatments. The treatments were feeding of maggots only, feeding of blue crown and feeding a combination of maggot and Blue crown. Each treatment was replicated three times to give a total of nine experimental units. Analyses of variance was used to test for significant differences and all means were tested at 5% probability level. Growth parameters such as mean weight gain and total weight gain and feed utilization parameters were collected.
Results obtained indicated that maggot-based diets positively influence catfish growth performance. Catfish fed with maggots demonstrated improved weight gain, enhanced feed conversion efficiency, and lower mortality rates compared to those fed with artificial feed. The nutrient profile of maggots, including high protein content and essential amino acids, appears to align well with the dietary requirements of Clarias gariepinus ,contributing to the superior growth.
However, artificial feeds remain a popular choice due to the convenience and availability. While catfish fed with artificial feed showed satisfactory growth rates, the disparity in performance between the two feeding strategies was evident.
In conclusion, this research suggests that incorporating maggots into the diet of catfish can significantly enhance their growth performance when compared to artificial feeds. The sustainable production of maggots, coupled with their nutritional benefits, makes them a promising option for catfish farmers seeking improved productivity. Nevertheless, the choice between maggots and artificial feed may vary based on factors such as cost, availability, and farmer preferences.
