Evaluation of Dietary Lipid Sources and Their Effects on Fatty Acid Profile and Growth of African Catfish

This study evaluated the effects of different dietary lipid sources on the fatty acid profile and growth performance of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) under controlled conditions at a research facility in Edo State, South South Nigeria. The nutritional quality of fish as a human food product is strongly influenced by its dietary fatty acid composition, and the substitution of fish oil with alternative lipid sources in aquafeed formulation is a global research priority driven by sustainability concerns. Five experimental diets were formulated incorporating equal energy contributions from fish oil, soybean oil, palm kernel oil, groundnut oil, and a blended oil mixture. Juvenile catfish with a mean initial weight of 14.6 grams were stocked in 25 aerated tanks and fed for 12 weeks. Growth parameters, whole body proximate composition, and fatty acid profiles of fillet tissue were determined at harvest. Results showed comparable final body weights and specific growth rates across all dietary treatments, indicating that the tested lipid sources support adequate growth. However, significant differences in fillet fatty acid profiles were recorded, with fish fed fish oil diets retaining substantially higher concentrations of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid compared to plant-oil-fed fish. Soybean oil supplementation produced the highest linolenic acid content. Palm kernel oil feeding resulted in elevated saturated fatty acid proportions in fillet tissue. The study demonstrates that while plant-based lipids can sustain catfish growth, they alter the nutritional value of the product for human consumers, and recommends a balanced lipid blending approach to maintain acceptable omega-3 fatty acid levels in the Nigerian catfish product. Keywords: dietary lipids, fatty acid profile, Clarias gariepinus, aquafeed, omega-3