Report and Opinion 2010;2(1) Dietary Methionine Requirement of C. Gariepinus Fingerlings and Its Effect On The Growth And Body Composition

Abstract: The experiment was conducted to determine the methionine requirement for Clarias gariepinus and its effect on growth and body composition. Hatchery bred fingerlings of C. gariepinus (2.97±.036g) were stocked in eighteen 54L glass aquaria. Six diets (40 % crude protein) consisting of a basal diet containing 1.81g methionine/100g protein from the ingredients soyabean and guinea corn was formulated, a reference diet (3.12g methionine / 100g protein) and others having graded levels of crystalline methionine (2.87, 2.97, 3.00 and 3.07g/100g protein). Each diet was fed to three aquaria twice daily (8.00 – 18.00hrs) for 56 days. The mean weight gain, specific growth rate, food conversion efficiency and protein efficiency ratio were significantly influenced by the level of methionine (P<0.05). Second order polynomial regression analysis showed that the requirement of C. gariepinus for methionine is 2.97g/100g protein. Carcass protein showed an increase above that of the initial fish stocked before feeding commenced. The percentage lipid also increased except for the fish fed 3.07g methionine/ 100g protein. [Report and Opinion. 2010; 2(1):22-27]. (ISSN: 1553-9873)