Effects of storage conditions on quality characteristics of commercial aquafeeds and growth of African catfish Clarias gariepinus

This study was conducted to determine the effect of storage conditions on the quality of feed and the aftermath effect of feeding fish with such feeds. Three commercial diets used for this study included Coppens^®, Multifeed^® and Vital feed^®. Feed was stored either by opening the bag to the atmosphere (WO), the bag opened with neck tied using a rubber ring to prevent exposure to the atmosphere (OT) or sealed (SC) until the start of the feeding trials. The feed was stored under these conditions for six months. Nutrient analyses revealed significant changes in feeds held under the WO condition when compared with other storage conditions. Nutritive changes also varied with commercial feed type. Mould infestation of the feed was noticeable more in the WO condition of storage compared to the SC condition. After feeding C. gariepinus for fifty-six days, lesions were observed on fish fed mouldy feed held under the WO condition, which led to mass mortalities. Growth performance was higher in all fish fed SC stored feed, and for those fed Coppens^® and Multifeed^® under OT storage conditions. It is advised that storage of fish feeds up to six months should be undertaken with considerable care and attention.