SYNERGISTIC EFFECTS OF DIETARY GLUCOSAMINE AND PLANT/ANIMAL PROTEINS ON THE GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF ASIAN CATFISH (Clarias Batrachus) JUVENILES

A 84-days feeding trials was conducted to evaluate the use of animal and plant protein, in combination with glucosamine source for Asian Catfish, Clarias batrachus (av. wt. 0.22+0.01 to 0.24+0.07g). Six (31.18 to 43.51% crude protein, 369 to 399 kcal/100g, and crude lipid 0.0 to 6.69%) practical feeds were formulated. The animal and plant protein component of the feeds was progressively added with glucosamine 0.0, 0.5, 5.0 and 10.0% with fish meal, silkworm pupae, soybean meal and casein (F-1, PAG 0:100:0.5; F-2, PAG 0:100:5.0; F-3, PAG 0:100:10.0; F-4, PAG 100:0:0.5; F-5, PAG 100:0:5.0; F-6, PAG 100:0:10.0; The experimental feeds were fed to triplicate groups of fingerlings at 10% body weight per day and results were compared with control feed. Growth performance and feed utilization efficiency of catfish, fed with animal proteins are better than those of plant protein. The best growth among the animal protein group (F-1 to F-3) was recorded in F-2 followed by F-3 and F1 containing glucosamine @5.0, 10.0 and 0.05%. Amongst the plant protein fed fishes showed best in F6 followed by F5 and F4. The survival was improved in glucosamine supplemented feeds ranging from 49+3.2 to 85+1.7 whereas the control showed 41+1.8%. Results indicate that animal protein rich feeds were much acceptable than alternative plant protein sources for the Asian catfish, Clarias batrachus and the potential for replacing animal protein with soybean meal in the feeds of fish need more evaluation along with synergistic effects of growth promoter like glucosamine.