Journal of Emerging Trends in Engineering and Applied Sciences: Research Areas

Article Title: EFFECTS OF ROSELLE AS DIETARY ADDITIVE ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND PRODUCTION ECONOMY OF CLARIAS GARIEPINUS
by Adeyemo Muniru Adewole

Abstract:
Intensive aquaculture management involves handling of husbandry � related stressors in cultured fish, which affect health and reduce growth. These conditions must be effectively controlled to promote good growth. Farmers most times resulted to using of antibiotics to overcome such conditions to enhance growth. However, these drugs are expensive, promote resistance and residual effects. This call for research into accessible, potent, cheaper, eco-friendly, alternative natural antibiotic. The utilization of Roselle - Hibiscus sabdariffa on growth performance and production economy of Clarias gariepinus was therefore investigated. This study assessed Roselle Hibiscus sabdariffa at different levels :HSM1(0.00%), HSM2(0.0375%), HSM3(0.075%), HSM4(0.15%), HSM5(0.30%),HSM6(0.60%).Twenty Clarias gariepinus were fed isonitrogenous diet of 40% crude protein, twice daily at 5% body weight, in triplicates for 12 weeks. Mean Weight Gain (MWG), Specific Growth Rate (SGR), Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR), Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER) and Profit indices determined using standard methods. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA (p=0.05), The inclusion of H. sabdariffa at HSM4 gave the highest MWG(46.04�2.75g),SGR(0.79�0.03),least FCR(2.90�0.57) and the highest profitable index(6.28), when compared with other treatments and the control. Roselle should be adopted as alternative to antibiotics in feed formulation and integrated with fish farming to promote sustainable aquaculture development in Africa.

Keywords: herbal supplement, rearing indices, profit indices, fish feed, sub �sharan Africa

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