Effect of fungal compost hoof and feather meal on growth, feeding performance and cost benefitted analysis of the catfish (Clarias gariepinus)

Abstract

The use of fish as a protein source in the production of fish feed has contributed to the increasing cost of fish. Animal waste sources can serve as alternatives but very little is known about the effects. This study assessed the effects of fungal compost cow hoof and feather meal growth of the catfish (Clarias gariepinus). Bio-composting was used to degrade cow hoof and poultry feathers for 42 days for the feeding trials which lasted for 12 weeks. Juveniles with a mean weight 17±0.58g were stocked 7 per aquarium in 12 aquaria (60×60×40cm). The diets contained 45% crude protein and were offered twice daily at 5% body weight. The control contained fishmeal, while diets 1 to 3 were substituted with compost feather (CFW), cow hoof (CH), and an equal ratio of CFW and CH, respectively. Growth performance and cost-benefit analysis of the fish were evaluated. The results showed that the control feed recorded a higher weight gain and total feed intake but a lower feed conversion ratio and survival rate than the fish-fed cow hoof and feather meal. The gross profit of the cow hoof (₦ 150) had a similar comparable value with the fishmeal (₦163). Based on the above findings it is concluded that compost feather and hoof meal are suitable alternatives in the culture of catfish.