This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of probiotics, Bacillus Subtilis 200 on growth, feed utilization and proximate composition of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) over an 8-week period. Four experimental diets with supplemented B. Subtilis 200 at 0g/kg (A), 1g/kg (B), 2g/kg (C) and 3g/kg (D) were fed to C. gariepinus fingerlings with average initial weight of 3.47±0.95 g to apparent satiation three daily. The results showed significant difference amongst treatments with respect to final weight (FW) and weight gain (WG) (P<0.05). There was an increase in FW and WG as probiotic levels increased in experimental diets. Group fed diet A recorded FW and WG of 72.3±2.41 g and 68.95±3.25 g respectively, whilst group fed diet B recorded FW and WG of 77.48±2.17 g and 73.70±4.15 g respectively. Group fed diet C recorded FW and WG of 83.17±3.07 g and 79.86±2.78 g respectively whilst group D recorded FW and WG of 84.73±3.19 g and 81.27±3.05 g respectively. Feed intake ranged between 69.23±0.21 g and 77.21±0.84 g and was significantly different amongst groups (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency ratio and condition factor (P>0.05). Similarly, proximate composition (ash, moisture, lipid and protein) was indifferent, irrespective of experimental diet (P>0.05). The result of the present study suggests that diets of C. gariepinus can be supplemented with B. subtilis 200 up to 3g/kg without compromising growth feed utilization and body composition.
Keywords: Feed efficiency, growth, probiotics, Bacillus Subtilis 200, proximate composition