Author(s): Abdulkarim B, Suleiman M, Taofik AB and Abdulkadir B

Abstract: This research was carried out to study growth performance and survival rates of Juveniles Oreochromis niloticus L fed with two different diets: aqualis feed (AF) a commercial feed and University Fish feed (UFF) formulated using locally available ingredients. The study was carried out at Umaru Musa Yar’adua University Katsina State Nigeria between June - September, 2017. Three hundred (300) fishes having an average weight of (2.50- 2.75g) were randomly distributed into twelve (12) concrete ponds measuring (0.98m x 1.07m x 0.70 m) in quadruplicates. The fish were fed two (2) times based on 10% of their cumulative body weights for a period of fifteen (15) weeks. Water parameters of the experimental ponds were monitored and measured regularly using standard methods. Results indicated significant differences in growth performance between the fish fed with two different diets and the control. The highest growth performance in terms of final body weight, weight gain, specific growth rate were observed in the fish fed with aqualis (173.00±21 g, 170.40±19.8, 3.99±0.38% day-1), followed by the UFF (98.12±5.8 g, 96.62±4.1 g, 3.49±0.95% day-1), while the control had the lowest (75.65±6.8 g, 72.95±5.85 g, 3.17±0.42% day-1). Logarithmic ‘b’ values ranged between (0.89±0.30 - 1.43±0.59) and indicated negative allometric growth pattern in all the fishes. Condition factor ranged from 2.42 to 3.48. Temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen and transparency of the ponds were within the recommended levels for the survival of O. niloticus. Further research is recommended using local ingredients to complement the expensive fish feeds available in our markets.

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