Efficiency of Using Natural Zeolites in Cultivation of African Catfish

Abstract

The article represents the results of studies in zeolite use in fish feeding. The influence of zeolites on the exterior and interior characteristics of African catfish grown in high-technological industrial aquaculture was evaluated. Zeolites were introduced into fish feed in the amount of 3 % and 5 %. The use of zeolites in feeding of African catfish has had a positive impact on the growth, exterior and interior indicators of fish. In five-month-old catfish, when using zeolites, the average daily growth increased by 4.15 g (with 3 % addition of zeolites) and by 4.68 g (with 5 % addition of zeolites), compared to fish that did not receive zeolites. In the experimental groups, there was also an increase in absolute growth by 124.4 g-with 3 % addition of zeolites and 140.2 g-with 5 % addition of zeolites. The commercial weight of fish using zeolites increased by 24.05 % and 35.52 %, respectively. The results show that when growing commercial fish, the use of zeolites in the feed composition fastens its growth and significantly reduces feed costs. 1