ABSTRACT

The evaluation of Kolanut pod husk (KPHM) as substitute for maize in the diet of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) was investigated for period of eight (8) weeks. KPHM was substituted for maize at 0% (control (Tl)), 2S% (T2), SO%(T3), 7S% (T4) and I00% (TS) in the five different diets .C. gariepinus fingerlings (average Weight 3.02g to 3.07g) were randomly distributed into plastic tanks with 10 fish/tank in triplicate treatments and were fed twice daily at 8:00am and 4:00pm per day. Data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis using one-way ANOV A. Results showed that weight gain, specific growth rate and protein efficiency ratio was significantly higher in the control diet and this progressively decreased as inclusion level increased. The best FCR value was recorded in control and worst in TS. Pack cell volume (PCV), Red blood cell (RBC), haemoglobin (Hb), Mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), Mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and Lymphocyte values were significantly higher (p<0.0S) in T3 .White blood cell (WBC) was significantly higher (p<0.05) in T5 and lowest in control. Neutrophil was significantly higher (p<0.05) in T4 while lowest value was recorded in T2. In conclusion, the result of this study on KPH\1 as a feed stuff (major energy source) in fish diets revealed that kola pod husk contain sufficient energy to compare favourably with maize, however, the best inclusion level obtain in this study is 25% KPHM.