Cost-Benefit Analysis and Growth Effects of Pelleted and Unpelleted On-Farm Feed on African Catfish (Claries Gariepinus Burchell 1822) in Earthen Ponds

Fish feed constitutes 40-60% of the total operational costs of a fish farm. Commercial feeds are often too expensive for rural fish farmers. Consequently, farmers use non-conventional and locally available fish feed ingredients including agro-industrial by-products. These feeds have not led to increased pond productivity due to poor processing, higher fibre content, and anti-nutritional factors that limit nutrient bio-availability. Farmers have not embraced processing of fish feeds because the cost-effectiveness of processing has not been clearly demonstrated. The African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) is an important farmed fish in sub-Saharan Africa hence the need for research on its nutrition and growth performance. The growth performance and cost-benefit of using pelleted diets formulated from locally available feed ingredients on C. gariepinus were evaluated in a rural African setting. The experiment included diets that differed in the ingredients and form used (pelleted and un-pelleted). Four isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets were formulated from freshwater shrimp (Caridina nilotica), rice bran (Oryza sativa) and wheat bran (Triticum aestivum). The diets were C. nilotica and wheat bran pelleted (CWBp), C. nilotica and wheat bran un-pelleted (CWBup), C. nilotica and rice bran pelleted (CRBp), and C. nilotica and rice bran un-pelleted (CRBup). The diets were fed to C. gariepinus fingerlings (mean initial weight 1.75±0.03g), in triplicates for 5 months. The pelleted diets showed significantly better performance (P<0.05) compared to the un-pelleted diets. Fish grew to a weight of 266.77±6.21g on CWBp, 224.9±3.91g on CRBp, 211.38±4.46g on CWBup and 190.87±4.47g on CRBup. Cost benefit analysis of the pelleted and un-pelleted diets indicated positive net returns of US$180.1 for CWBp, US$142.5 for CRBp, US$126.8 for CWBup and US$ 115.5 for CRBup. The CWBp had significantly higher net returns than the other diets. This paper demonstrates that although on-farm pelleting of diets adds extra cost of labour, pelleted diets are cost-effective and should be incorporated as an essential part of on-farm feed production.Key words: Catfish, feed, pelleting, cost-effectiveness, pon

NUTRITIVE VALUE AND AVAILABILITY OF COMMONLY USED FEED INGREDIENTS FOR FARMED NILE TILAPIA (OREOCHROMIS NILOTICUS L.) AND AFRICAN CATFISH (CLARIAS GARIEPINUS, BURCHELL) IN KENYA, RWANDA AND TANZANIA

ABSTRACT Commonly utilized feed ingredients for culture of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) from Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda were collected over a period of six months (January -June 2010) and evaluated for their nutritive composition through proximate analysis. Most of the fish feed ingredients were found in all the three countries except a few that were unique to one or two countries as detailed in the results. Feed ingredients of animal origin exhibited significantly (P<0.05) higher crude protein levels (407 -635 g/kg DM) compared to the feed ingredients of plant based origin. Freshwater shrimps (Caridina nilotica) contained the highest crude protein levels of 635 g/kg DM. Feed ingredients of animal origin had low ether extracts (EE) with an exception of Omena fish (Rastrineobola argentea). Crude fibre (CF) was generally higher on feed ingredients of plant origin and ranged between 55-368 g/kg DM while Nitrogen Free Extracts (NfE) and ash content were higher in the feedstuffs of plant origin with an exception of maize bran which had the lowest value. Omena fish and freshwater shrimp had higher ash content of 182 and 228g/kg DM compared to other feed ingredients of animal origin, which may indicate contamination with soil particles during drying process. Based on the feed ingredient availability, potential competition with other human uses, content of crude protein and crude fibre and the feasibility of removal of anti-nutritional factors, C. nilotica, blood meal, meat and bone meal, were identified as most promising sources of animal based protein. Cotton (Gossypium spp) and sunflower (Helianthus annuus) seed cakes provided the best option as source of processed plant based protein. Leaves of gallant soldier (Galisonga parviflora), sweet potato (Ipomoea batatus), cassava (Manihot esculenta) and papaya (Papaya carica) were identified as high potential feedstuffs of plant origin either processed or in raw form for small-scale fish farming. We recommend that in well fertilized semiintensive ponds, maize (Zea mays), wheat (Triticum aestivum) and rice (Oryza sativa) bran may be utilized where available to supplement natural pond food

Cost-Benefit Analysis And Growth Effects Of Pelleted And Unpelleted On-Farm Feed On African Catfish ( Clarias Gariepinus Burchell 1822) In Earthen Ponds

Fish feed constitutes 40-60% of the total operational costs of a fish farm. Commercial feeds are often too expensive for rural fish farmers. Consequently, farmers use non-conventional and locally available fish feed ingredients including agro-industrial by-products. These feeds have not led to increased pond productivity due to poor processing, higher fibre content, and anti-nutritional factors that limit nutrient bio-availability. Farmers have not embraced processing of fish feeds because the cost-effectiveness of processing has not been clearly demonstrated. The African catfish ( Clarias gariepinus ) is an important farmed fish in sub-Saharan Africa hence the need for research on its nutrition and growth performance. The growth performance and cost-benefit of using pelleted diets formulated from locally available feed ingredients on C. gariepinus were evaluated in a rural African setting. The experiment included diets that differed in the ingredients and form used (pelleted and un-pelleted). Four isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets were formulated from freshwater shrimp ( Caridina nilotica ), rice bran ( Oryza sativa ) and wheat bran ( Triticum aestivum ). The diets were C. nilotica and wheat bran pelleted (CWBp), C. nilotica and wheat bran un-pelleted (CWBup), C. nilotica and rice bran pelleted (CRBp), and C. nilotica and rice bran un-pelleted (CRBup). The diets were fed to C. gariepinus fingerlings (mean initial weight 1.75±0.03g), in triplicates for 5 months. The pelleted diets showed significantly better performance (P<0.05) compared to the un-pelleted diets. Fish grew to a weight of 266.77±6.21g on CWBp, 224.9±3.91g on CRBp, 211.38±4.46g on CWBup and 190.87±4.47g on CRBup. Cost benefit analysis of the pelleted and un-pelleted diets indicated positive net returns of US$180.1 for CWBp, US$142.5 for CRBp, US$126.8 for CWBup and US$ 115.5 for CRBup. The CWBp had significantly higher net returns than the other diets. This paper demonstrates that although on-farm pelleting of diets adds extra cost of labour, pelleted diets are cost-effective and should be incorporated as an essential part of on-farm feed production

Cost-Benefit Analysis And Growth Effects Of Pelleted And Unpelleted On-Farm Feed On African Catfish ( Clarias Gariepinus Burchell 1822) In Earthen Ponds

Fish feed constitutes 40-60% of the total operational costs of a fish farm. Commercial feeds are often too expensive for rural fish farmers. Consequently, farmers use non-conventional and locally available fish feed ingredients including agro-industrial by-products. These feeds have not led to increased pond productivity due to poor processing, higher fibre content, and anti-nutritional factors that limit nutrient bio-availability. Farmers have not embraced processing of fish feeds because the cost-effectiveness of processing has not been clearly demonstrated. The African catfish ( Clarias gariepinus ) is an important farmed fish in sub-Saharan Africa hence the need for research on its nutrition and growth performance. The growth performance and cost-benefit of using pelleted diets formulated from locally available feed ingredients on C. gariepinus were evaluated in a rural African setting. The experiment included diets that differed in the ingredients and form used (pelleted and un-pelleted). Four isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets were formulated from freshwater shrimp ( Caridina nilotica ), rice bran ( Oryza sativa ) and wheat bran ( Triticum aestivum ). The diets were C. nilotica and wheat bran pelleted (CWBp), C. nilotica and wheat bran un-pelleted (CWBup), C. nilotica and rice bran pelleted (CRBp), and C. nilotica and rice bran un-pelleted (CRBup). The diets were fed to C. gariepinus fingerlings (mean initial weight 1.75±0.03g), in triplicates for 5 months. The pelleted diets showed significantly better performance (P<0.05) compared to the un-pelleted diets. Fish grew to a weight of 266.77±6.21g on CWBp, 224.9±3.91g on CRBp, 211.38±4.46g on CWBup and 190.87±4.47g on CRBup. Cost benefit analysis of the pelleted and un-pelleted diets indicated positive net returns of US$180.1 for CWBp, US$142.5 for CRBp, US$126.8 for CWBup and US$ 115.5 for CRBup. The CWBp had significantly higher net returns than the other diets. This paper demonstrates that although on-farm pelleting of diets adds extra cost of labour, pelleted diets are cost-effective and should be incorporated as an essential part of on-farm feed production

Mycoflora and mycotoxins in finished fish feed and feed ingredients from smallholder farms in East Africa

A total of 52 samples of finished fish feeds and ingredients were collected from smallholder farmers in Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Uganda, and analyzed. Culture and molecular techniques were used to identify fungal isolates from the feedstock, and mycotoxin profiles were determined using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. The most prevalent fungal species recovered in the samples was Asperigillus flavus (54.5%). Other fungal species recovered from the samples were Aspergillus tamarii (9.1%), Mucorvelutinosus (9%), Phoma sp. (6.1%), Aspergillus niger (6%), Eurotium rubrum (3%) and Penicillium chrysogenum (3%). Fourteen mycotoxins were identified: aflatoxins B1, B2, G1and G2, fumonisin B1 and B3, deoxynivalenol (DON) and acetyldeoxynivalenol (sum of 3-ADONand 15-ADON), ochratoxin A, roquefortine C, alternariol, T-2 toxin, and nivalenol. DON (92.9%), aflatoxins (64.3%) and fumonisins (57.1%) were the most prevalent within locally manufactured feeds, while no contamination was found in imported feed. Samples from Kenya were the most contaminated with aflatoxin (maximum 806.9 μg·kg−1). The high levels of aflatoxin and trichothecene type A and B contamination found in this study point to potential risks to fish performance and to the health of consumers of the fish and derived products

Nutritive Value And Availability Of Commonly Used Feed Ingredients For Farmed Nile Tilapia ( Oreochromis Niloticus L.) And African Catfish ( Clarias Gariepinus , Burchell) In Kenya, Rwanda And Tanzania

Commonly utilized feed ingredients for culture of Nile tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus ) and African catfish ( Clarias gariepinus ) from Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda were collected over a period of six months (January - June 2010) and evaluated for their nutritive composition through proximate analysis. Most of the fish feed ingredients were found in all the three countries except a few that were unique to one or two countries as detailed in the results. Feed ingredients of animal origin exhibited significantly (P<0.05) higher crude protein levels (407 - 635 g/kg DM) compared to the feed ingredients of plant based origin. Freshwater shrimps ( Caridina nilotica ) contained the highest crude protein levels of 635 g/kg DM. Feed ingredients of animal origin had low ether extracts (EE) with an exception of Omena fish (Rastrineobola argentea). Crude fibre (CF) was generally higher on feed ingredients of plant origin and ranged between 55- 368 g/kg DM while Nitrogen Free Extracts (NfE) and ash content were higher in the feedstuffs of plant origin with an exception of maize bran which had the lowest value. Omena fish and freshwater shrimp had higher ash content of 182 and 228g/kg DM compared to other feed ingredients of animal origin, which may indicate contamination with soil particles during drying process. Based on the feed ingredient availability, potential competition with other human uses, content of crude protein and crude fibre and the feasibility of removal of anti-nutritional factors, C. nilotica, blood meal, meat and bone meal, were identified as most promising sources of animal based protein. Cotton ( Gossypium spp) and sunflower ( Helianthus annuus ) seed cakes provided the best option as source of processed plant based protein. Leaves of gallant soldier ( Galisonga parviflora ), sweet potato ( Ipomoea batatus ), cassava ( Manihot esculenta ) and papaya ( Papaya carica ) were identified as high potential feedstuffs of plant origin either processed or in raw form for small-scale fish farming. We recommend that in well fertilized semi- intensive ponds, maize ( Zea mays ), wheat ( Triticum aestivum ) and rice ( Oryza sativa ) bran may be utilized where available to supplement natural pond food

Nutritive Value And Availability Of Commonly Used Feed Ingredients For Farmed Nile Tilapia ( Oreochromis Niloticus L.) And African Catfish ( Clarias Gariepinus , Burchell) In Kenya, Rwanda And Tanzania

Commonly utilized feed ingredients for culture of Nile tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus ) and African catfish ( Clarias gariepinus ) from Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda were collected over a period of six months (January - June 2010) and evaluated for their nutritive composition through proximate analysis. Most of the fish feed ingredients were found in all the three countries except a few that were unique to one or two countries as detailed in the results. Feed ingredients of animal origin exhibited significantly (P<0.05) higher crude protein levels (407 - 635 g/kg DM) compared to the feed ingredients of plant based origin. Freshwater shrimps ( Caridina nilotica ) contained the highest crude protein levels of 635 g/kg DM. Feed ingredients of animal origin had low ether extracts (EE) with an exception of Omena fish (Rastrineobola argentea). Crude fibre (CF) was generally higher on feed ingredients of plant origin and ranged between 55- 368 g/kg DM while Nitrogen Free Extracts (NfE) and ash content were higher in the feedstuffs of plant origin with an exception of maize bran which had the lowest value. Omena fish and freshwater shrimp had higher ash content of 182 and 228g/kg DM compared to other feed ingredients of animal origin, which may indicate contamination with soil particles during drying process. Based on the feed ingredient availability, potential competition with other human uses, content of crude protein and crude fibre and the feasibility of removal of anti-nutritional factors, C. nilotica, blood meal, meat and bone meal, were identified as most promising sources of animal based protein. Cotton ( Gossypium spp) and sunflower ( Helianthus annuus ) seed cakes provided the best option as source of processed plant based protein. Leaves of gallant soldier ( Galisonga parviflora ), sweet potato ( Ipomoea batatus ), cassava ( Manihot esculenta ) and papaya ( Papaya carica ) were identified as high potential feedstuffs of plant origin either processed or in raw form for small-scale fish farming. We recommend that in well fertilized semi- intensive ponds, maize ( Zea mays ), wheat ( Triticum aestivum ) and rice ( Oryza sativa ) bran may be utilized where available to supplement natural pond food

Cost-benefit analysis and growth effects of pelleted and unpelleted on-farm diets on African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) in earthen ponds

Fish feed constitute s 40- 60% of the total operational costs of a fish farm. Commercial feeds are often too expensive for rural fish farmers. Consequently , farmers use non - conventional and locally available fish feed ingredients including agro -industrial by - pro ducts . These feeds have not led to increased pond productivity due to poor processing, higher fibre content , and anti -nutritional factors that limit nutrient bio- availability . Farmers have not embraced processing of fish feeds because the cost - effectiveness of processing has not been clearly demonstrated. The African catfish ( Clarias gariepinus ) is an important farmed fish in sub- Saharan Africa hence the need for research on its nutrition and growth performance . The growth performance and cost-benefit of using pelleted diets formulated from locally available feed ingredients on C. gariepinus were evaluated in a rural African setting . The experiment included diets that differed in the ingredients and form used (pelleted and un- pelleted ). Four isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets were formulated from freshwater shrimp ( Caridina nilotica ), rice bran ( Oryza sativa ) and wheat bran (Triticum aestivum) . The diets were C. nilotica and wheat bran pelleted (CWBp), C. nilotica and wheat bran un- pelleted (CWBup), C. nilotica and rice bran pelleted (CRBp), and C. nilotica and rice bran un - pelleted (CRBup). The diets were fed to C. gariepinus fingerlings (mean initial weight 1.75±0.03g), in triplicates for 5 months. The pelleted diets showed significantly better performance ( P &lt;0.05) compared to the un- pelleted diets. Fish grew to a weight of 266.77±6.21g on CWBp, 224.9±3.91g on CRBp, 211.38±4.46g on CWBup and 190.87±4.47g on CRBup. Cost benefit analysis of the pelleted and un- pelleted diets indicated positive net returns of US$180.1 for CWBp, US$142.5 for CRBp, US$126.8 for CWBup and US$ 115.5 for CRBup . The CWBp had significantly higher net returns than the other diets. This paper demonstrates that although on- farm pelleting of diets adds extra cost of labour, pelleted diets are cost -effective and should be incorporated as an essential part of on- farm feed production.</jats:p