International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Research

Authors
Djikengoue Kameni Patricia Linda, Tiogue Tekounegning Claudine, Tonfack Achile Peguy, Njouokou Salifou, Kenfack Augustave

Abstract
With the aim of contributing to the domestication of Labeobarbus batesii, survival and growth performance in pre-fattening according to the dietary energy level were studied between July and December 2020, at the IRAD station in Foumban. For this, a total of 400 fingerlings with an average weight of 1.05 ± 0.15 g and an average total length of 4.86 ± 0.18 cm were divided into duplicates in four batches: R1, R2, R3 and R4, representing respectively the diets at 3600, 3700, 3800 and 3900 kcal of Metabolizable Energy (ME) per kg of food. The fish were fed twice a day (9 a.m. and 5 p.m.) at 5% of the fish biomass, for 180 days, during which the live weight and lengths were measured monthly. The main results are as follows: the highest survival rate (61.15%) was recorded in the batches receiving the diet at 3700 kcal/kg, while the lower rate (34.375%) in those receiving the diet at 3600 kcal/kg. Growth characteristics and food conversion rate varied between treatments. The highest values ​​(p<0.05) were recorded with fishes fed the 3600 kcal/kg diet, compared to those receiving the 3800 kcal/kg one. The K factor was low and varied from 0.709 ± 0.037 (3700 kcal/kg) to 0.820 ± 0.032 (3800 kcal/kg). Whatever the dietary energy level, the fry showed a lower allometric growth. Thus, food containing 3600 kcal ME/kg is recommended to optimize the growth of Labeobarbus batesii in pre-fattening.