Influence of Feeding Frequency on Feed Intake and Nutrient Utilization of Juvenile Clarias gariepinus

The effect of four feeding frequencies on feed intake and nutrient utilization of juveniles of Clarias gariepinus (mean weights of (8.6+0.004 g) were determined in the laboratory of the Department of Marine Sciences, University of Lagos. Two tanks were used for each feeding frequency i.e., two replications for each treatment. The fishes were fed at 5% of their body weight daily at the four feeding frequencies (Once, twice, thrice and 4 times). Feed intake of all groups did not display any significant differences (p>0.05) in terms of daily feed intake and mean weekly feed intake although, there was an increasing trend in the total feed intake FFA0.05). Twice daily feeding frequency had the lowest Food Conversion Ratio (FCR) of 6.25 while, the highest value of 4.76 was in 4 times daily feeding frequency. Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER) was highest in once daily feeding frequency and lowest in twice daily feeding frequency. Also, Productive Protein Value (PPV) was least in once daily feeding frequency and highest in twice daily frequency. Survival Rate (SR) was lowest in twice daily feeding frequency and highest in four times feeding frequency. The total protein intake (CPI) was highest value in thrice daily feeding frequency and lowest in once daily feeding frequency. Generally, nutrients were best utilized in 3 times daily.