Effects of light matrix organics (probiotic) on the growth, feed digestibility, carcass and blood parameters of African catfish, Clarias gariepinus

Cameroon’s fish protein consumption levels remain inadequate due to low fish production. The effects of Light Matrix Organics (LMO), a probiotic combination on the growth performance, feed digestibility, blood and carcass composition of the African catfish, Clarias gariepinus were investigated. Probiotics are live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer health benefits on the host. A basal diet was formulated and supplemented with LMO at 0.0 ml/kg (T0) as control; 1.66 ml/kg (T1); 2.49 ml/kg (T2); 3.32 ml/kg (T3) and 4.15 ml/kg (T4) and fed to 340 Clarias gariepinus fingerlings in two blocks (with average fish weights of 1.00±0.40 g and 0.1±0.05 g respectively), for sixty (60) days in replicate plastic tanks. Fish were fed twice daily at 4% body weight. Results show that the Mean weight gain, Specific growth rate and Protein efficiency ratio were significantly highest (P<0.05) in fish fed diets supplemented with LMO at 4.15 ml/kg (T4) and lowest in T0 (control). Apparent Digestibility Coefficients (ADC) of C. gariepinus for Dry Matter% and Crude Protein% decreased significantly in the general order: T4>T3>T2>T1>T0, except for Crude Protein which was significantly higher (P<0.05) in T3 than in T4. ADC Lipid% was higher (P<0.05) in both T2 and T4 than in all other treatments while ADC Energy was highest (P<0.05) in T2. Blood parameters were significantly higher (P<0.05) in LMO supplemented diets except for haematocrit (Ht) and red blood cells (RBC). Carcass nutrients differed significantly with LMO supplemented diets producing significantly lower (P≤0.05) fat but storing more energy than fish on the control diet. Incorporating LMO in treatment T2 was significantly more (P<0.05) economically efficient than other treatments. The supplementary use of LMO at the rate of 2.49ml/kg fish feed is therefore recommended based on the high economic efficiency and above average growth performance. Key words: probotic, light matrix organics, Clarias gariepinus, growth performance, digestibility, economic efficiency.