Growth Performance of Clarias gariepinus Fed Different Levels of Agama agama Meal Diets

Abstract

This study was investigated the utilization of agama lizard meat meal (Agama agama) as dietary protein source in the diets of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings (MW±SE = 33.48 g±0.13). The fingerlings were fed four Isonitrogenous and Isocaloric diets containing blends of agama lizard meal in percentages of 0 (Diet I), 10 (Diet II), 20 (Diet III) and 30% (Diet IV) respectively for 8 weeks at 5% body weight. Mean weight gain (MWG) ranged from 22.85g (Diet I) to 42.80g (Diet III) and Specific Growth Rate (SGR) ranged from 0.93% per day (Diet 1) to 1.46% per day (Diet III). Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) was between 2.61 (Diet III) and 2.96 (Diet IV). There was however no significant differences (p>0.05) in these parameters for all the test diets. Proximate composition of carcass shows significant differences (p<0.05) in moisture and ash contents with no significant differences observed for all the other proximate composition parameters. From the foregoing, agama lizard meal can be included at any level but it is recommended that 20% inclusion level be used.