Growth Performance of Cultured African Catfish (C.Gariepinus) Fingerlings in the Presence of Nano and MacroCuO Feed Supplements

摘要

Nanomaterials are having transformational effects on the world of science including animal feeds. The present study investigated the dietary effects of copper oxide nanoparticles on the growth and general health profiles of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) fingerlings. Conventional catfish feed (initial copper content 0.83 mg Kg(-1)) was supplemented with nano (n) and macro forms of CuO at levels of 0, 1, 3, 5, 7 and 10 mg Kg(-1) feed respectively. Fish were fed the diets for 7 weeks., after which significant (p 0.05) weight differences were observed in fish fed 3-10 mg nCuO Kg(-1) feed and those fed 5-10 mg CuO Kg(-1) feed respectively. Highest percent weight gains attained were 620.20% and 491.63% at the supplementation level of 10 mg (nCuO & CuO) Kg(-1) feed respectively, against 322.55 +/- 3.19% for the control, suggesting that nCuO was more effective in impacting the health of C. gariepinus than CuO.