Authors : S.G. Solomon and J. Ochume
Abstract: The effect of varied levels of inclusion of Garcinia kola on growth performance and haematological parameters was investigated in Clarias gariepinus fingerlings. Fish were fed diet supplemented at 0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 g kg-1 inclusion levels of Garcinia kola seed meal for eight weeks. Fish feed supplemented with Garcinia cola meal showed significantly improved growth performance and feed utilization over the control (0 kg-1 Garcinia kola seed meal) treatment. The highest Specific Growth Rate (SGR) (1.34±0.02% day-1) and best Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) (16.28±0.05) were obtain in 100 g kg-1 inclusion level of Garcinia kola seed meal. Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER) and Feed Conversion Efficiency (FCE) were also higher in fish fed with Garcinia kola seed meal and lowest in the control generally growth decreased beyond 100 g kg-1 level of inclusion. Higher values were obtained in fish carcass fed dietary inclusion for protein and lipid (p<0.05), blood parameters (WBC, HGB, RBC and PCV) reveals better condition for fish fed included Garcinia kola seed meal compared to the control. The result suggests that dietary supplementation with Garcinia kola seed meal improved growth rate and feed utilization best at 100 g kg-1 for Clarias gariepinus fingerlings.
S.G. Solomon and J. Ochume, 2013. Growth Performance and Hematological Parameters of Clarias gariepinus Fingerlings Fed Varied Levels of Bitter Cola (Garcinia kola Seed) Meal. Journal of Fisheries International, 8: 63-68.