Abstract
This study was to evaluate the growth performances of First Filial (F1) and Second (F2) of Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) fed processed Azanza garckeana pulp meal. Phytochemical analysis A. garckeana revealed the presence of high (+++) Flavonoids, Steroids and Carbohydrates, while the Alkaloids, Carotenoids, Saponins and Glycosides were moderate (++); Tannins, Phenols and Oxalates were low (+). The growth performance of the F1 generation showed the highest mean weight gain in T3 (809.68±0.89g) and the lowest in T5 (784.93±0,89g). The highest mean length gain was observed in T3 ( 41.00±0.07 cm) and the lowest in T5 (38.80±0.11 cm), while the condition factor (K) was highest in T4 (2.59±0.11) and lowest in T1 (2.35±0.11). Growth performances of F2 generation showed that the highest mean weight gain was in T5 (827.18 ± 0.11g). The lowest was in T1 (707.77 ± 0.11g). The highest mean length gain was observed in T5 (32.02±0.18 cm) and the lowest in T2 (30.00±0.17 cm), while the condition factor (K) was highest in T2 (2.76±0.11) and lowest in T1 (2.53±0.12). The comparative growth performances between the F1 and F2 showed that F2 had better growth indices than F1 suggesting that the genetic material in F2 has been unmasked and the fish is now regarded as domesticated; hence the improved performance. It was concluded that the performance in F2 was due to both genetic and environmental (A. garkeana) factors. It is therefore recommended that A. garkeana could be used as part of feed in domesticating C. gariepinus.