Abstract

Feed additives are widely used in aquaculture to enhance nutrient utilization, improve fish growth, and promote carcass quality. This study investigated the effect of graded levels of Capsicum annuum Oleoresin (CAO) as a dietary additive on growth performance, feed efficiency and survival rate of Clarias gariepinus. Two hundred and eighty juveniles C. gariepinus (6.70 ± 0.02 g) were distributed into seven groups and fed isonitrogenous diets supplemented with different levels of CAO and denoted as CAO1 – CAO 7 for 56 days at 3% body weight of 40% crude protein. Growth performance indices, feed efficiency, survival, and carcass proximate composition were evaluated using standard methods. Data were analysed using one-way ANOVA at a 5% significance level. Fish fed CAO-supplemented diets recorded numerically higher weight gain, specific growth rate and feed conversion ratio than the control, although differences were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Feed conversion ratio was improved in CAO-fed groups, with the best value in CAO 4 (1.27 ± 0.01). Protein productive value and protein efficiency ratio were better in the treated groups compared to the control with CAO 4 showing superior values. Carcass analysis revealed significantly higher crude protein in CAO 2 (70.83 ± 0.06%) and reduced fat deposition in CAO-fed groups compared to the control. Dietary supplementation with CAO enhanced weight gain, protein retention, improved feed efficiency, and lowered carcass fat in C. gariepinus, suggesting its potential as a functional feed additive