Identifying conditions for phytase enzyme adaption in African catfish feeds
Abstract
238 words
This research was conducted to establish and streamline conditions and optimum amount of
phytase enzyme required for its adoption for improved digestibility of plant based catfish
feeds. This started with analysis of pH along African catfish (Claria gariepinus)
gastrointestinal tract (GIT), feed pH, phytic acid content and proximate nutrient composition.
Results indicated that phytase enzyme from the fungus Aspergillus niger could be
appropriate for adoption. A feeding experiment was conducted for one month and consisted
factorial combination of four phytase enzyme activity levels (0, 750, 1000 and 1250 phytase
units (FTUs) in feeds at four crude protein percentages (30%, 35%, 40% and 45%) fed to
10g catfish fingerlings reared in 5L indoor glass tanks .Faecal samples were collected from
each tank by siphoning one hour after every feeding, frozen and later pooled .They were
finally dried and apparent digestibility coefficients (% ADC) calculated by the indirect method
for protein, dry matter and energy after proximate composition analysis. Data was analysed
by multiple- regression to find the right model of factors influencing digestibility followed by
ANOVA to identify differences among treatments and family wise differences determined
by contrasts using R console statistical software version 3.0.2. The highest digestibility was
observed at the activity unit of 1000 in all protein levels followed by 750FTUs, 1250FTUs
and 0 FTUs (control). It was concluded that 1000FTUs is a suitable activity unit for increased
digestibility of plant based fish feeds Uganda’s African catfish.
Keywords
- acidity
- biological phenomena
- Clarias gariepinus
- crude protein
- enzymes
- Kampala
- Lilongwe Universities of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) Malawi
- livestock
- Makerere University
- Mbarara ZARDI
- National Agricultural Research Organization
- organic acid salts
- Phytase and aquafeeds
- planting
- proteins
- RUFORUM; Agricultural Higher Education
- storage structures
- Uganda
Subjects
4 categoriesRelated papers
More in Working Document Series →- Africa Centre of Excellence in Aquaculture and Fisheries (AquaFish)
- Strengthening the design and management of PhD programmes in African universities: a case study of three RUFORUM Regional PhD Programmes
- Population genetics structure of wild and domesticated African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) in Victoria and Albertine Drainage Basins
- Diet and feeding habits of the small catfish, Clarias liocephalus in wetlands of Western Uganda