PRODUCTION OF FISH FEED USING YELLOW MAIZE (ZEA MAYS L)

This study evaluated the growth performance of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings fed a yellow maize-based diet compared to commercial feed. A local feed was formulated using yellow maize (Zea mays L) as the main ingredient, producing 15 kg of feed. Initially, 60 African catfish fingerlings were used, with 30 fed local feed (Pond A) and 30 fed commercial feed (Pond B). Due to mortality, the final analysis included 10 fingerlings per group. The fingerlings were fed twice daily at 3% of body weight for Eight weeks (56 days). Length and weight were measured weekly, and water parameters (dissolved oxygen, CO₂, temperature, and pH) were monitored, with water changed weekly using a Lamotte Aquaculture Lab Model SCL-08. Growth performance over seven weeks showed a steady increase in both length and weight for all fingerlings. However, those fed commercial feed exhibited significantly faster growth rates compared to those on the local maize-based feed. By Week 8, the commercial feed group had an average length of 7.3 cm and a mean final weight of 11.73 g, while the local feed group measured 6.8 cm in length and had a mean final weight of 9.80 g. A two-sample t-test confirmed a significant difference in final weight between the groups (t = -23.48, df = 18, p < 0.001), with the commercial feed group outperforming the local feed group. Additionally, fish fed with local feed had a total weight gain of 1.90 g, whereas those on commercial feed exhibited a higher weight gain of 3.40 g and better specific growth rates, confirming its superior feed conversion efficiency. Figures 4.1 and 4.2 further illustrate that while both feeds supported growth, the commercial feed group consistently showed higher weight gain and length increase. The study revealed that yellow maize-based feed can serve as an alternative diet but may require supplementing with protein-rich ingredients such as fishmeal or soybean meal to enhance its nutritional value and improve fish growth performance to levels comparable to commercial feed.