Abstract: A feeding trial of four dietary crude protein levels (25, 30, 35 and 40%) at two digestible energy
levels (2800 and 3000kcal/kg diets) factorial design with three replicates was conducted to
determine the appropriate dietary protein and energy levels for the growth response of
Heterobranchus bidorsalis post fingerlings sourced from Molly Ventures, Ikorodu, Lagos State.
Fish were fed the experimental diets for 70 days. Proximate analysis was performed on feed and
fish carcass. Data collected from feeding trials were analysed using GenStat Software Twelfth
Edition in a two way ANOVA test. All the means were compared at 5% level of probability with
Duncan's multiple range tests. Total weight gain of fish fed 40% crude protein diets with
3000kcal/kg diet was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that of fish fed with other diets. Diet
containing 40% protein level and 3000kcal/kg energy level appeared to be utilized more
efficiently in term of feed Conversion Ratio (1.14) than diets containing other dietary protein and
digestible energy levels, ranging 1.55 - 4.94. The results of this study indicate that a diet
containing 40% dietary protein and 3000kcal/kg digestible energy level is recommended for post
fingerlings of H. bidorsalis growth. |