Volume 20, Issue 53, January - June, 2023

Modeling and optimization of effects of chemically and biologically synthesized Nano-Fe₂O₃ supplemented feeds on growth and hematological parameters of African Catfish (Clarias Gariepinus)

Okpala Chukwunonso Divine¹, Onuegbu Chris U², Nwajinka Charles Obiora¹, Ogbuagu Jane Nneka¹, Amaefule Desmond Okechukwu¹

¹Department of Agricultural and Bioresources Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
²Research and Technology Development Center, Sharda University, Greater Noida, India/Department of Agricultural Engineering Technology, Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Effects of chemically and biologically synthesized nano-Fe₂O₃ supplemented fishmeal on the growth and hematological profile of African catfish (clarias gariepinus) fingerlings were studied. Sets of ferric oxide nanoparticles (nFe₂O₃) were prepared by chemical and biological methods. The feed diets were prepared in five supplementing levels of 0.02, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15 and 0.20 g of bio-synthesized nano-Fe₂O₃ (N_b) and chemically synthesized nano-Fe₂O₃ (N_c) per Kg of the basal feed. Fish fed with any of the two synthesized nano-Fe₂O₃ supplemented diets showed higher hematological parameter values compared to those fed with the basal diet. Highest weight gain achieved with N_c was 820%, at the supplemental level of 0.15 g Kg^-1 feed. On the other hand, N_b achieved a maximum weight gain of 826% at level of 0.15 g Kg^-1 feed inclusion. This indicates that dietary iron supplementation in the basal feed used is necessary for catfish (C.gariepinus) fingerlings. It was also observed that diet supplemented with N_c –feed ration performed slightly better than diet supplemented with N_B-feed ration in improving fish weight up to the inclusion level of 0.15 g Fe Kg^-1 feed. Above this level (0.15 g Kg^-1) there was no substantial weight difference between fish fed with N_c and N_b supplemented diets. Suitable Fourier models were developed for predicting weight gain by the catfish at varying levels of supplementation in the range of 0 to 0.2 g.

Keywords: African catfish, nano-Fe₂O₃, fishmeal, haematology, modeling, optimization

Indian Journal of Engineering, 2023, 20(53), e24ije1655

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi/v20i53/e24ije1655

Published: 16 June 2023