International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Research

Authors
Tagning Zebaze Pégis Davy, Efole Ewoukem Thomas, Nana Towa Algrient, Mube Kuietche Hervé, Ngouana Tadjong Ruben, Komguep Nganyo Ronald, Djouaka Rousseau, Fonteh Née Anyangwe Florence

Abstract
The effect of Allium sativum on the survival rate, growth rate and feed cost of production of juvenile Clarias gariepinus was studied for eight (8) weeks at the ‘’Massoma fish farm’’ located in Douala, Cameroon (04 ° 03'-04 ° 07 'LN and 09 ° 37' - 09 ° 41 'LE). The objective was to contribute to a better production of Clarias gariepinus through the use of a phyto-additive. For this purpose, 1500 fingerlings (10 ± 1 g) were divided into five comparable batches with three completely randomized replications. Hence, five experimental rations containing 0; 3.5; 4; 4.5 and 5% A. sativum powder were distributed to these groups at 5% of their fish biomass. The results obtained on survival rate, growth characteristics and feed cost were significantly (p<0.05) influenced by the addition of the phyto-additive in the feed. Food consumption (111.98 ± 0.13g), live weight (90.43 ± 4.30g), weight gain (80.36 ± 4.31g), mean daily gain (1.34 ± 0, 07g), the specific growth rate (3.66 ± 0.08% g / d) and the protein efficiency coefficient (1.60 ± 0.02) were significantly higher with the ration (R_4.5) containing 4.5% A. sativum powder and the lowest with the ration without additives. On the other hand, the highest condition factor k (1.10 ± 0.08) was observed with the ration without additive and the total length (22.35 ± 0.51cm) with the treatment therefore the feed was supplemented at 5% (R₅). The lowest consumption index (1.39 ± 0.01) and food production cost (95.12 ± 10.80FCFA) were obtained with the ration R4.5 and R4 respectively. The result of the present study established the potential use of A. sativum powder as an additive in the feeding of pre-grows C. gariepinus fingerlings. In view of the above, the ration containing 4.5% of A. sativum could be sustainable in terms of fish economics, although the search for the optimal rate of supplementation remains open.