EFFECTS OF FEED REDUCTION ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE, WATER QUALITY, AND HEMATOLOGY STATUS OF AFRICAN CATFISH, Clarias gariepinus REARED IN BIOFLOC POND SYSTEM

Biofloc technique is a method of fish culture using minimal water exchange and microbial aggregates formed within the media as supplementary feed. protein source currently not being considered part feeding dosage in catfish culture. This present work aimed to determine effects commercial feed reduction on growth performance, quality, hematology cultured biofloc ponds. Fish with an average body weight 7.53 ± 0.47 g were stocked nine ponds stocking density 100 fish/pond reared for weeks. The experiment was arranged completely randomized design, following treatments: full + non-biofloc (C100) control; 10% less (B90); 20% (B80). As such, total doses given daily per each treatment biomass were: 5% C100, 4.5% B90, 4.0% B80. Each triplicates. results showed that all quality parameters (dissolved oxygen, pH, TAN, nitrite) concentrations did differ significantly among treatments (P>0.05). Specific rate, survival gain, conversion ratio also different gain biofloc-treated B90 B80 reached 2.71% 12.65%, respectively; which higher than control during period. ratios 14.39% 7.58%, lower treatment. adversely alter fish’s blood cell profiles. study revealed affect profiles fish. Moreover, had food compared non-treated suggests system rearing can reduce use up 10%-20% similar yield system.