Effects of androstenedione, a phytoandrogen, on growth and body composition in the African catfish Clarias gariepinus

Abstract

The present study investigated the effects of a phytoandrogen, androstenedione, on growth, body composition, and survival in African catfish, Clarias gariepinus. Three concentrations (25, 50, and 75 mg/kg feed) were administered for 120 days. Survival of treated groups did not significantly differ from the control and ranged 94.44-97.78%. A significantly higher weight gain was obtained in the 50 and 75 mg/kg diets. The fish fed these diets also had significantly better food conversion and protein efficiency ratios. Apparent net protein utilization was better in treated groups than in the control. The protein and lipid contents of the carcass of treated fish were significantly higher than in the control with the highest contents in the 50 mg/kg treatment. The highest ash content was in the 25 mg/kg treatment. In overall parameters, 50 mg androstenedione per kg diet was the optimal concentration.