Poultry, Fisheries & Wildlife Sciences
Open Access

Abstract

The Use of Lyophilized Egg White as First Feed for Clarias Gariepinus Hatchlings

Dawodu Bukola, Fashina Bombata HA and Elegbede Isa

This study is based on the use of lyophilized egg white fortified with cod liver oil as first feed for the hatchlings of Clarias gariepinus. Proximate analysis and mineral composition of the diet samples were carried out. ANOVA statistical analysis was used to determine the level of significance (p<0.05) or (p>0.05) in the survival rate of hatchlings samples. A total of 1200 hatchlings of Clarias gariepinus of an average length of 0.2 cm were collected after an artificial propagation. These samples were allotted into eight plastic tanks of 1 m × 0.5 m × 0.5 m each with an average number of 150 hatchlings per tank and placed in a hatchery. Four different fish diets were used namely Lyophilized egg white, lyophilized egg yolk, Coppens Starter feed® and Artemia. Some were purchased from the market while others were prepared in the laboratory by a process of Lyophilization (Freeze-drying). The trial went on for 14 days (2 weeks) and feeding was done to satiation. After 14 days treatment period with the various test diets, fry total length range from 0.7 cm to 1.0 cm for samples fed with the lyophilized and egg yolk and 1.0 cm-1.6 cm for the control group which were fed with artemia and starter feed. Mortality rate was very low as compared with other feed diets used while the survival rate was 60%, Fry survival in the treatment sample group was 70% while in the control group, it was 100% i.e no mortality was recorded.