EFFECT OF DIETARY FEED COMPOSITION ON THE DIFFERENT GROWTH PARAMETERS OF Clarias batrachus (MAGUR) AT VARIOUS STOCKING DENSITIES IN CAPTIVE ENVIRONMENT

Growth and survival of Clarias batrachus juveniles fed with branded feed and prepared feed have been evaluated for a period of 120 days. Catfish juveniles were stocked at three standard stocking densities as 20, 25 and 30 no. m-2 in six groups in triplicate along with 3 control groups in earthen tanks (5 m2 each). The mean weight gain was highest in the stocking density of 30 no. m-2 with the branded feed supplied 16.6 ±0.32 and specific growth rate (SGR) of 0.499±0.005. The water quality parameters were monitored in every ten days and found similar across all the treatments within the optimum ranges for culture of Clarias batrachus.

The highest survival rate was in the stocking density of 30 no. m-2 with the prepared feed supplied (98.8±0.95%) whereas the lowest was in stocking density of 20 no. m-2 with the prepared feed supplied (96.23±0.85%). The highest production was observed in stocking density of 30 no. m-2 with the branded feed supplied (653.35±72.92 kg ha–1). This study concludes that feeding three times per day is effective for C. batrachus. There is no marked significant difference in fish growth from branded feed and prepared feed. But the cost of branded feed is more than the prepared feed. So, the economically viable culture of Clarias batrachus should preferred the low cost option of prepared feed.