INFLUENCE OF DIFFERENT LEVELS OF PLEUROTUS FLORIDA SUPPLEMENTARY FEEDING ON THE GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF CLARIAS BATRACHUS.

This research investigates the growth performance of Clarias batrachus when supplemented with Pleurotus florida freeze-dried extract (PFME) over 60 days. Triplicate groups of fish were fed experimental diets containing varying concentrations of PFME (0.5%, 1%, 1.5% and 2%), each adjusted to 5% of their wet body weight biweekly. Results demonstrate that PFME-enriched diets significantly enhanced the growth metrics of Clarias batrachus compared to a control group fed a standard diet. Fish fed with Diet III, containing 1.5% PFME, exhibited the highest weight gain of 31.98 ± 0.45 grams, followed by Diet IV (26.59 ± 0.33 grams), Diet II (25.26 ± 0.49 grams), Diet I (23.90 ± 0.30 grams), and the control group (17.78 ± 0.61 grams). This trend in weight gain correlates with biweekly measurements showing accelerated growth, particularly evident after the first month of feeding. Length measurements also reflected enhanced growth rates, with Diet III yielding the longest fish at 21.24 ± 0.38 cm. Furthermore, specific growth rates were notably higher in fish-fed Diet III (2.11 ± 0.05%), indicating superior growth potential compared to other diets and the control. Feed conversion ratios (FCR) were comparable across experimental diets, suggesting efficient feed utilization, particularly evident in Diet III (FCR 1.55 ± 0.45), which required less feed to produce more fish biomass. Moreover, PFME supplementation positively influenced the feeding rates and survival rates of Clarias batrachus. Fish on Diet III exhibited a consistent feeding rate (3.01 ± 0.06%) similar to other experimental diets, while achieving a high survival rate of 100 ± 0.02%, signifying improved health and immunity. Pleurotus florida extract, particularly at 1.5% concentration (Diet III), proves effective in enhancing the growth performance of Clarias batrachus. This study underscores PFME's potential as a beneficial dietary supplement in the aquaculture, promoting efficient growth and potentially reducing production costs. Further research into the physiological mechanisms underlying these effects could provide deeper insights into optimizing fish nutrition and health in aquaculture settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]