Effect of Feeding Rate on the Growth and Body Composition of Heterobranchus longifilis Juveniles in Kano State

Optimising feeding rate is a key management strategy for maximising production efficiency and profitability in catfish culture operations. This study evaluates the effect of five feeding rates, specifically 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, and 6% of body weight per day, on the growth performance, feed utilisation, and body composition of Heterobranchus longifilis juveniles reared in indoor concrete tanks at a fish farm in Kano State, North West Nigeria. One hundred and fifty uniform juveniles with an initial mean weight of 11.8 g were stocked across 15 tanks and fed a commercial 45% crude protein catfish diet for ten weeks. Biweekly body weight measurements were recorded, and water quality was maintained within acceptable limits throughout the trial. At harvest, whole-body proximate composition was determined. Results demonstrated that fish fed at 4% of body weight per day achieved the highest weight gain and specific growth rate, while those fed at 2% showed significantly stunted growth. Feed conversion ratio was poorest in the 6% group due to wastage and elevated ammonia production, while the 4% group recorded the most efficient feed conversion. Crude protein retention was highest in the 4% group. The study recommends a 4% body weight feeding rate as optimal for juvenile Heterobranchus longifilis culture under the feed type and environmental conditions representative of intensive catfish farms in Kano State.

Keywords: feeding rate, Heterobranchus longifilis, growth performance, body composition, Kano State