Aiming at finding cheaper and still efficient feed for aquaculture species 56 days feeding trial was conducted on African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) post fingerlings, fed on five diets with a 40% crude protein target in which maize was replaced with maize offal meal at 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% respectively. Ten fish each were stocked in a plastic aquarium tank containing 20 L of water. The fish were fed at 5% body weight divided into two rations ginen at the hours of 8-8:30 am and 5-5:30pm. Growth parameters showed increase with increase in maize offal based diets, with observed weight gains of 72.42, 79.00, 95.92, 130.83 and 65.83 for diets 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 respectively. Feed conversion ratio (recorded best in 75% maize offal based diet substitution, while the poorest was recorded at 25% maize offal diet replacement, followed by the control diet (100% maize diet). 75% maize offal replacement recorded the highest specific growth rate (p<0.05).There was significant difference (p<0.05) in the ash content, crude fiber and energy level in the fish carcass. The cost of feed used throughout the experimental period was not significantly (p>0.05) influenced by the increasing level of maize offal as a replacement for maize in the diets, as the costs were comparable. However, this study reveals that maize offal meal can successfully replaced maize up to 75% in the diet of Clarias gariepinus post fingerlings without adverse effect on growth, carcass composition and economics.
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