Performance of sustainable fish feeds in Benin for Clarias gariepinus (Burchell 1822)

Four sustainable feeds were formulated with locally available ingredients of Benin, produced by extrusion, chemically and physically characterized and their performance was explored. Formulated feeds (F1, F2, F3 and F4) and a Control Feed (CF) were fed to Clarias gariepinus juveniles for 16 weeks and fish growth parameters were monitored. Nutritional and sensorial qualities of the fresh and smoked fish were evaluated. Formulated feeds had the same levels of protein and carbohydrate contents and were similar to CF in this concern. The fat content of F2, F3 and F4 feeds was lower than that of the CF except for F1, which had similar fat content. All tested feeds had floatability rates exceeding 80%. The mean weight gain of the fish ranged from 168 g to 401 g. The best Feed Conversion Ratio was recorded with CF (1.01) followed by F2 (1.21). The Protein Efficiency Ratio of F2 (2.14) and CF (2.51) did not differ statistically. Fish fed with F2 had the best nutritional profile (protein: 682 g/kg, and fat: 231 g/kg) compared with fish fed on other feed formulas and the CF (protein: 634 g/kg, and fat: 274 g/kg). Smoked fish fed F2 and CF recorded similar acceptability from consumers.