Comparative Study of the Growth Performance of Four Commercial Fish Feeds in the Production of African Catfish

With global population expansion, the demand for high quality animal protein is rising dramatically (Yisa et al., 2006). Increased aquaculture production is clearly needed to meet this demand, because capture fisheries are showing serious decline due to over fishing, aquatic habitat destruction and pollution (FAO, 2004). World capture fisheries have been in a stable state throughout much of the past decades, and it has been estimated that maximum capture fisheries potential from global waters has been reached .In 2007, as many as 50 percent of stocks were labeled as fully exploited (FAO, 2008).Fish is an important and the cheapest source of animal protein and account for about 37% of Nigeria total protein requirement (FAO, 2002). Fish provides approximately 16% of the animal protein consumed by the world population (FAO, 1997). It is particularly an important protein source where livestock is relatively scarce. Billions of people mostly in developing countries depend on fish as a primary source of animal protein (FAO, 2000).

FAO estimated that by the year 2010, demand of fish will increase by 13.5%-18.5% or to about 105-110% millions metric tons (FAO, 2000). Further increase in capture fisheries are not anticipated under the current global condition (Ounham et al., 2001). Faturoti (1999) noted that recent trends all over the world pointed to a decline from capture fisheries which are all indicators that fish stock have approached or even exceeded point of maximum sustainable yield. The Food and Agriculture Organization recommended that an individual takes 3 series per capture of animal protein per day for sustainable growth and development (FAO). However, the animal protein consumption in Nigeria is less than 8g per person per day which is a far cry from the FAO recommendation.

The rapid growth of Nigeria population has lead to insufficiency in supply of animal protein food. Fish is a major source of animal protein and an essential food item in the diet of many people in Nigeria. Fish is also a good source of Thiamine, Riboflavin, Vitamin A and D, Phosphorus, Calcium, and Iron. It is also very high in polyunsaturated fatty acids which are important in lowering blood cholesterol level, it is therefore suitable for complementing high carbohydrate diets typical of low income group in Nigeria (Areola, 2008). Apart from being food, fish is also an important source of income to many people in developing countries including Nigeria. FAO (1996) confirms that as much as 5% of the African population have 35million people depending wholly or partly on fisheries sector for their livelihood.