INFLUENCE OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENTATION OF GARLIC (Allium sativum) ON SOME PERFORMANCE INDICES OF Oreochromis niloticus FINGERLINGS RAISED IN PLASTIC TANKS

Abstract

The study was carried out for three (3) months to determine the effect of dietary supplementation of Garlic (Allium sativum) on some performance indices of Oreochromis niloticus fingerlings. Fish fingerlings (mean weight 5.8g) were randomly distributed into four triplicate treatment groups in twelve plastic tanks (80 lit) at a stocking density of ten (10) fish per tank. Garlic powder was supplemented in the diet of the treatment groups; 0g (control, C), 10g (T1), 20g (T2) and 30g (T3). Water quality parameters were regularly monitored. The growth performance and nutrients utilization of C. gariepinus fingerlings between probiotic treated groups were significantly increased (P < 0.05) with increasing dosage of garlic powder. The best final mean weight (85.5g), mean weight gain (77.9g), percentage mean weight gain (1403), feed conversion ratio (1.46) and protein efficiency ratio (1.46g), was recorded in garlic treatment group T3 (30g/kg). Garlic powder is recommended for inclusion in diet of Oreochromis niloticus fingerlings at 30g/kg.