CHAPTER I

THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE

INTRODUCTION

Rationale

Aquaculture has been practiced for thousands of years. It has growing for

ages because of its integration with its environmental, social, economic, and

cultural contexts. Science has advanced significantly in the twentieth and twenty-

first centuries, which has benefitted aquaculture. Aquaculture now provides more

than half of the world's fish for human consumption as a result of the increase

that has occurred (FAO, 2019). Aquaculture has become a more important part

of any place. It is currently recognized as a new, sustainable way to supply fresh

produce while minimizing environmental impact throughout the entire world. This

enables efforts to restore regions that have been heavily exploited. One of the

species derived for aquaculture production is the African catfish (Clarias

gariepinus), also known as the mud catfish. African catfish are an excellent

choice for culture promotion due to their hardiness, high tolerance for water

stress, and usage of supplemental nutrients (FAO, 2019;2020).

In the Philippines, aquaculture have a long history. Aquaculture

contributes significantly to the food security, employment and foreign exchange

earnings (FAO, 2023). Today, more of the imported catfish from Africa (C.

gariepinus) can be found in the country. Filipinos, perhaps as a result of their

familiarity with the local catfish, have readily embraced it. Few people are aware
that native catfish, which are rarely found in markets since they are not raised in

native waters, rarely grow as large as their African counterparts (Surtida and

Buendia, 2023).

Fish is a crucial component of the human diet, however due to significantly

rising demand, the wild fish population has been static for the past 30 years

(FAO, 2016). Aquaculture is thus one of the prospective industries that can

address the issue of rising fish consumption (Dauda et al., 2013). The Food and

Agricultural Organization (FAO) has classified aquaculture as the fastest growing

food production as a result of the enormous rise in aquaculture production over

the previous 60 years commercial sector (FAO, 2016; Atanda, 2012).

Plant protein is currently getting notice because of the value of fish meal's

high price and inconsistent availability in recent years. Hence, it is in high

demand all over the world (Shiu et al., 2013).This plant protein increases the

value of other substrates, such as the development of organic compounds,

probiotics in fish guts, and improved health performance, as well as boosting the

financial success of the aquaculture industry (Shimeno et al., 1993; Sun et al.,

2007).

In this study, different types of feeds for African catfish, including madre

de agua, mulberry, and duckweed, will be introduced. Products made from plants

are rich in protein, various amino acids, and fatty acids that are not present in
animal protein (Mondal and Payra, 2015). Madre de agua is otherwise known as

"Nacedero" has caught the attention of poultry and livestock raisers. The plant

provides chickens, pigs, goats, and even fish with the proteins and other

nutrients they require (Philippine Morning Post, 2021). On the other hand,

Mulberry, which belongs to the family Moraceae is rich in protein and minerals

(Dada et al., 2007). Dry matter from duckweeds includes 15-43% crude protein,

5% fats, and 5-30% fibers popular in the animal feed sector (Leng et al., 1995;

Cheng and Stomp, 2009; Mohapatra and Patra, 2013).

The researchers will conduct this study to aid improve the nation's

production of African catfish as well as to educate fishermen with the new skills

for cultivating African catfish using various plant sources as feeds. The outcome

of this study can be a big help for fishery expansion (FAO, 2020). The utilization

of different plant leaves as a source of protein are an important food source for

African catfish, as they provide essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.

Thus, supported their overall health and well being. Leaf proteins are believed to

have a positive effect on the immune system of fish, helping to reduce the stress

associated with rearing. Leaf protein are highly digestible, making them an ideal

nutrient source. The utilization of leaf protein sources can provide a more

sustainable and cost-effective food source for African catfish, reducing the need

for other fish meal-based feeds.

Literature Background

Aquaculture is the fastest-growing sector of the food production business,

according to international recognition (FAO, 2010). Developing countries that are

struggling economically have a growing need to increase food security.

Aquaculture is a growingly significant option for raising the percentage of animal

protein consumed from 40% to roughly 60% in order to achieve a key deliverable

sustainable development goal. Only high-quality meals rich in protein and other

necessary nutrients can achieve this to enhance while preserving the health of

the animal, growth can be achieved (Soltan and El-Laithy, 2008).In the last few

decades, aquaculture has experienced accelerated growth, becoming an

important agricultural activity around the world (FAO, 2020).

African catfish (Clarias gariepinus)

African catfish, (Clarias gariepinus Burchell, 1882) is a warm-water fish

that is becoming more and more important commercially all over the world.The

eating habits of African catfish are known to be omnivorous. In addition, they are

resilient and tolerant of a variety of environmental conditions ( Anyanwu, 2005).

African catfish are great for aquaculture because they are omnivorous, expand

quickly, and accept comparatively bad water quality (Rad et al., 2003).

Moreover, the African catfish, Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) is a vast

eel-like fish that is typically dark gray or black on the back and white on the belly.

It is known locally as "hito"and "pantat" and is a member of the Clariidae family

(FAO 2010). It is hardy, has an additional air- breathing organ (the labyrinth

organ), and is deemed suitable for both small-scale and commercial aquaculture

because it doesn't demand a lot of work or money and grows more quickly (Goos

and Richter, 1996; FAO, 2010). The protein to lipid ratio was 18.57 in the diet

that gave best percentage weight gain. However best survival, food conversion

ratio and protein efficiency ratio were recorded in the diet containing 29.86%

protein and 18.08% lipid.

Furthermore, freshwater fish called the African catfish (Clarias gariepinus)

is frequently cultivated due to its high marketability, ability to breathe air,

omnivorous feeding behavior, and rapid growth (Bruton, 1979; Fagbenro et al.,

1999). In addition to the requirement for readily available, nutritionally complete

feeds, the effective conversion of feed into growth continues to play a significant

role in determining the viability of fish farming. For the creation of nutritionally

balanced diets, understanding of the target species' nutritional requirements.

Knowing the nutritional needs of African catfish compared to other fish species

like salmon, trout, and channel catfish. Information on the ideal dietary protein to
energy ratio (Ali and Jauncey, 2005; Farhat and Khan, 2011) and the dietary

requirements for a number of amino acids (Fagbenro et al., 1998, 1999a, 1999b;

Fagbenro and Nwanna, 1999; Elesho et al., 2021) is somewhat scarce for C.

gariepinus.

African catfish (Clarias gariepinus), are the most cultured species in Africa

and have in previous studies demonstrated their candidature in aquaponics

system (Ekawati et al., 2021; Love et al., 2015). A variety of plants can be grown

within the aquaponics under the hydroponic unit for nutrients uptake thus

maintaining the integrity of water within the system for fish culture. Some of the

plants grown under aquaponic systems include; Leafy vegetables (Spinach and

Amaranth), Fruit vegetables (Cucumber and ), Root vegetables (Beets and

Radishes) among other plants (Kim 2018). C. gariepinus preference in

aquaculture is as a result of its ability to tolerate high environmental temperatures

and low dissolved oxygen thus making it a good candidate for intensive farming,

(Safran, 2009). Under best management practices, C. gariepinus can be cultured

intensively (Somerville et. al., 2014) under limited land and water resources

(Huntington et al.,2017). Demand for C. gariepinus, both for food and as bait in

capture fisheries has been increasing substantially in Kenya in the last few years

(Omondi et al., 2001). Kenya’s State Department of Fisheries and the Blue

Economy estimates a demand of about 10 million C. gariepinus fingerlings per

year for aquaculture and 18 million fingerlings per year for Lake Victoria capture

fisheries.
 These days, many products are made from African catfish, including

whole-dressed fish that is fresh or frozen, fillets, shank fillets, fillet strips,

nuggets, steaks, breaded fillets and nuggets, marinated fillets, and smoked fillets

(Silva and Dean, 2001). This makes the fish very valuable and gives it a great

chance to grow into a successful commercial enterprise. African catfish diets

considerably enhanced this fish's capacity for growth, ability to retain dietary

protein, and level of vitamin E in the fillets (Lim et al., 2001). The primary plant

protein sources used in catfish feeds are oilseed meals, such as soybean meal,

cottonseed meal, and peanut meal. Certain other oilseed meals could be used,

but they are not generally available on a timely basis or at an economical cost

per unit of protein. Compared to animal proteins, most plant proteins are deficient

in lysine and methionine, the two limiting amino acids in catfish feed. Also,

certain plant proteins contain toxins and antinutritional factors that may or may

not be inactivated during processing of the meal. A brief description of various

animal and plant protein sources that can be used in catfish feeds is given below,

as is a summary of commonly used protein supplements (Robinson and Li,

2015).

Since stocking density has a direct impact on fish survival, growth,

behavior, health, water quality, and feeding requirements, it is a key determinant

of production system profitability (Gibtan et al., 2008). Van de Nieuwegiessen et

al. claim that final densities between around 0. The growth and wellbeing of
African catfish in a size range from approximately 100 to 500 kg m3 were

unaffected. Fish-1, 1.0-1.5 kilogram.

When conducting fish farming operations, water quality needs special

consideration. For themselves, catfish can endure unfavorable environmental

circumstances. According to Dauhan, 2014, the water quality characteristics that

will be employed as cultivation media must follow the circumstances that can

support growth well. The following physical factors must be taken into account:

temperature, pool water depth, turbidity, TSS, or the presence of dissolved

particles. Additional chemical parameters that must be managed include DO,

carbon dioxide, water pH, and the concentrations of nitrate, phosphate, and

ammonia (Green, 2017).

Madre de agua

A fodder tree called Madre de Agua (Trichantera gigantean), which was

introduced in the Philippines some time ago, arrived from Latin America

(Venezuela and Columbia), and it has adapted well to the region's tropical

climate conditions. It serves as food for ruminants like pigs, rabbits, and sheep

(Heuze et al., 2016). The protein content of Madre de Agua leaves ranges from

13 to 22% in dry matter form, and the majority of the protein content appears to

be genuine protein with a good amino acid balance (Rosales et al., 1999;
Rosales, 1997).The multi-purpose tree Madre de agua (Trichantera gigantea)

contains high crude protein content of the foliage particularly the leaves and the

thin stems, which are also consumed by the animals, and apparently most of that

is true protein and has a good amino acid balance. Madre de Agua farming is an

essential part of livestock and poultry production. It helps to maintain a balance

between the animal’s nutritional requirements and environmental sustainability.

This method has been proven to increase productivity, improve animal welfare,

reduce costs, and promote biodiversity in natural ecosystems. With its many

advantages, Madre de Agua is one of the most sustainable ways to raise animals

on a small scale. (Masa, 2023).

Mulberry

Most farmed mulberry (Morus alba) plants are members of the

moraceeae family. Mulberry leaves provide high levels of protein and minerals

(Dada et al., 2007). The study has demonstrated that adding mulberry led to

better egg production and healthy growth were the results of include leaves in the

meals of both rabbits (Bankole et al., 2005) and chickens (Narayana and Sett,

1977). The entire mulberry plant, from the leaf to the base, is extremely

therapeutic. The fruit is used to treat premature graying of hair, diabetes,

constipation, and to alert the blood. Mulberry supplements are used as a partial

substitute for fish meal (Mondal et al., 2012). Chronic diabetic patients and rats'

vascular reactivity is restored by morus alba leaves (Majunda et al., 1969).

 Mulberries combine good chemical composition and nutritional quality,

presenting crude protein (CP) levels above 20% (Martín, Montejo, Milera&

Garcia, 2017b). However, their application in fish rearing can be limited by

essential amino acid deficiencies and the presence of antinutritional factors

(Dorothy et al., 2018).

Duckweeds

According to Wersal and Madsen (2012), an aquatic plant that is a

macrophyte or one that is visible to the unaided eye can be seen. Additionally

reported is the varied use of macrophytes, viz.,fuel for humans, pharmaceuticals,

and animal feed. Many terrestrial and marine macrophytes have been utilized as

supplemental meals in the fish culture sector (Bardach et al., 1972). On the

leaves of several grasses and terrestrial plants, there have been reports of using

vegetables and aquatic plants as fish feed.

One of the many species of the Lemnaceae family that can be found in

tropical and subtropical freshwaters is duckweed (Lemna minor). It is a passive

aquatic plant that is greenish, with fronds that are a few centimeters wide and

floating roots that are less than 1 cm long (Iqbal et al., 2019). Due to its ability to

regenerate, this aquatic plant is simple to grow and can be blown by the wind to

nutrient-rich places. Duckweed frequently grows spontaneously in ponds,

ditches, or marshes with plenty of nutrients (Marcin et al., 2019; Khellaf and

Zardaoui 2010). Moreover, duckweed is valued for its quick growth and enduring

freshness, which have contributed to its diverse uses (Baek et al., 2021).

Compared to other plants, duckweed has higher levels of protein (40–43%

dry weight), phosphorus, potassium, minor minerals, and amino acids

(Stadtlander et al.,2019). It also has other characteristics, including a low fiber

content (5% in dry matter), which facilitates easy digestion. Its production rate,

which depends on the availability of nutrients, species, management, space, and

climate, is on average 30 tons of dry matter per ha per year (Cao et al., 2018).

Duckweed has been reported to have good balance of amino acids

comparable to milk. Duckweed is a good quality when it was harvest in the ponds

and canals nearby the houses due to the availability of nutrients. Duckweed

grown naturally in ponds and canals with poor nutrients grow slowly with long

root systems and has poor protein content (Leng et al., 1995).

Duckweed, as a natural protein source, has a better array of essential

amino acids than most other vegetable proteins and more closely resembles

animal protein (Hillman and Culley, 1978). Newly harvested duckweed plants

contain up to 43% protein by dry weight and can be used without further

processing as a complete feed for fish. Compared with most other plants,

duckweed leaves contain little fiber (5% in dry matter for cultivated plants) and
little to no indigestible material even for monogastric animals (Chaturvedi et al.,

2003).

Legal Basis

This study serves as a reference and guide for the succeeding studies,

Utilization, Management, Development, Conservation, and Allocation System of

Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Chapter II of Implementing Rules and

Regulations of Republic Act 8550 of Section 16, the municipal or city government

shall have jurisdiction over municipal waters as defined in this Code. The

municipal/city government, in consultation with the FARMC, shall be responsible

for the management, conservation, development, protection, utilization, and

disposition of all fish and fishery/aquatic resources within their respective

municipal waters. The municipal or city government may, in consultation with the

FARMC, enact appropriate ordinances for this purpose and in accordance with

the National Fisheries Policy. The ordinances enacted by the municipality and

component city shall be reviewed pursuant to Republic Act No. 7160 by the

sanggunian of the province that has jurisdiction over the same. The LGUs shall

also enforce all fishery laws, rules, and regulations as well as valid fishery

ordinances enacted by the municipal or city council.

 On the other hand, the Sustainable Development Goals are a collection of

17 goals with the intention of achieving a better and a more sustainable future for

all. They deal with issues such as poverty, inequality, the climate change,

environmental degradation, prosperity, and peace and justice. Thus, Sustainable

Development Goal 12 Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.

Sustainable Development Goal 14. Conserve and sustainably use the oceans,

seas and marine resources for sustainable development.

The world receives a variety of essential items from oceans, seas, and

coastal areas that are essential to human welfare and the security of the world's

food supply. There are numerous opportunities provided by fishing and

aquaculture to lessen poverty, increase economic growth, enhance nutrition,

eliminate hunger, and make better use of natural resources. In order to fulfill the

demands of an expanding population, fish must be produced, and aquaculture is

the food industry with the quickest growth. Overfishing, on the other hand, puts

livelihoods in danger, unchecked aquaculture growth can contaminate

waterways, and increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels induce ocean

acidification. Initiatives of the FAO have a strong emphasis on advancing

fisheries best practices, democratic decision-making, and good governance. The

FAO's Blue Growth Initiative strives to harmonize the environmental, social, and

economic elements of living aquatic resources to provide equitable (FAO, 2020).

Figure 1.

Theoretical and Conceptual Framework

 The Problem

Statement of the Problem

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the utilization of leaf protein

sources on the growth and survival rate of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus).

Specifically, this study sought to answer the following questions:

What are the growth characteristics in terms of weight, length, and width

of African Catfish fed with Leaf protein cultured in an improvised fish tank

with the following indices:

T0– Commercial Feeds (100%)

T1 – Madre De Agua Leaf (50%) and Commercial Feeds (50%)

T2 – Mulberry Leaf (50%) and Commercial Feeds (50%)

T3 — Duckweeds Leaf (50%) and Commercial Feeds (50%)

What is the survival rate of African Catfish fed with Leaf protein in an

improvised fish tank?

What are the ranges of water parameters during the cultured period of

African catfish?

2.1. Temperature
 2.2. pH level

2.3. DO (ppm)

Is there a significant difference in the growth characteristics & survival rate

of the African Catfish using leaf protein cultured in an improvised fish

tank?

What feeding management program can be proposed?

Statement of Hypothesis

There is no significant difference in growth characteristics and survival rate of

African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) feed with Leaf Protein cultured in an

improvised fish tank.

Significance of the Study

The researchers believe that the study would be beneficial to the following:

Fisherfolks. This study will provide them information on utilizing Leaf Protein as

Fish Feeds in the culture of African catfish. It will also act as their foundation for

managing their feeding program and a manual for increasing production while

facing lost-price charges.

Students of Fisheries. In addition to helping with fish production, the

researchers hoped to inspire students to explore alternative cultivable species

nourished by regional resources.

Local people and the Community. This study will provide them with knowledge

they might use to raise African catfish using leaf protein as fish food for

amusement or as a source of income.

Researchers. This study will provide them with the knowledge they need to

cultivate African catfish fed fish feed made from Leaf Protein.

Future researchers. This study will serve as their guide and reference how

effectiveness of using leaf protein as a fed of African catfish.

 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Research Design

This study will determine the growth and survival rate of African catfish in an

improvised freshwater fish tank fed with various feed types. The researcher's

will use the Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) using four

treatment as; T0- Commercial Feeds (100%), T1- Combination of Mulberry

Leaves (50%) and Commercial Feeds (50%), T2- Combination of Duckweed

Leaves (50%) and Commercial Feeds(50%), T3- Combination of Madre de

Agua Leaves (50%) and Commercial Feeds (50%) with three replications.

One hundred eighty (180) samples of African catfish- fifteen (15) species

samples per treatment and per replication- will be cultured for two (2)

months. The growth of the species, such as weight, length and width will be

measured individually every fifteen (15) days by using a digital weighing

scale and vernier caliper.

Research Environment

The study was conducted in a freshwater concrete tank for two (2)

months at Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources - 7 Clarin Freshwater

Fish Farm, located at Caluwasan, Clarin, Bohol. The hatchery is 4 kilometers

away from the national road. The place had enough water supply for the
culture of african catfish and free from pollution and any other disturbance.

In addition, the water supply is from their reservoir.

T1R2 T2R3
T0R1

T1R1 T2R2 T3R3

T2R1 T3R2 T0R3

T3R1 T0R2 T1R3

Figure 2. Experimental Set-up

\\\

Figure 3. Location of the study

Research Subject

North African catfish, often known as "African catfish" is nearly pan-African (but

are naturally absent from the Maghreb, Upper and Lower Guinea and Cape provinces).

They are equally prevalent in Israel, Turkey, Jordan, and Lebanon. Many nations in

Europe, Asia, and South America have also received introductions of Clarias
gariepinus, in addition to the majority of other African nations. Although this species

does not appear separately in its production figures, China has accepted it inside its

ricits rice fields and is today one of the major producers (FAO, 2023). Madre de Agua

has been identified as a contributor to the growth of other animals and poultry products,

but little to no evidence is implied with regards to fish, with Nile Tilapia in particular. The

crude protein content of Trichanthera gigantea ranges from 12 to 22 percent, with

significant weight gain and carcass weight impacts (Libatue, 2020). Mulberry leaf was

reported to have relatively high levels of anti-nutrient factors and fiber, which potentially

limited its use in fish practice(Mondal et al., 2011). Duckweed (Lemna minor L.) can

grow in a variety of climatic conditions, and it is frequently found to exist in flooded rice

fields (Liu et al., 2017). Due to its fast-growing speed, ability to accumulate large

concentrations of nitrogen and facile recovery, duckweed has been widely used in

wastewater treatment systems and ecological ponds to recycle nitrogen from

wastewater (Liu et al., 2021; Lu et al., 2021b; Zhou et al., 2022).

Scientific name: Clarias gariepinus

English name: African Catfish

Common name: Hito/Pantat

 Madre de

agua

(Trichantera gigantean)

Mulberry (Morus alba)

Duckweeds (Lemna minor)

Figure 4. Research Subject

Research Materials

In this study, the researchers will use 180 fingerlings of African Catfish (Clarias

gariepinus) respectively obtained from BFAR-7 Clarin Freshwater Fish Farm located at

Caluwasan, Clarin, Bohol. The polyethylene bags will be filled with oxygen, following the

1:1 ratio of water and oxygen. Digital weighing scale will use to measure the weight of

the fingerlings and the supplemented diets and Vernier caliper will use to measure the

length and width of the fish. Twelve (12) concrete tanks as compartment for African

catfish will be prepared and used in the study. Madre de agua leaves, mulberry leaves,

and duckweeds leave will use as feeds in the culture of African catfish. Other materials

that will use includes the scoop nets for catching the African catfish samples, recording

sheets such as notebook and writing pens will use in gathering data and a hose to

siphon the water during the cleaning of the improvised tank.

Research Procedures
Site Selection

The researchers made an assessment of the location where the study is

scheduled to be done in order to prevent any damage, such as nearby tree limbs falling

during severe winds, having a sufficient supply of water, and being pollution-free. The

supply of water is from the fresh water.

Tank preparation

In preparation of the tank, the researchers use a concrete tank. Twelve (12)

rectangular concrete tanks will use in this study with a dimension of 2m×1m×0.5m

(length × width × height) and each tank contains 15 samples.

Stock and Stocking

 One hundred and eighty fingerlings will be used as sample stock in the study.

There will be fifteen species stocked per treatment and replication. The species is

handled with extra care and put in polyethylene bag from the nursery tanks.

Acclimatization is important to avoid heat shock, which may have killed the fingerlings.

In order to help the fingerlings adjust to their new environment and the water

temperature, the polyethylene bag is left afloat for 10 to 20 minutes.

Feeds and Feeding Preparation

African catfish fingerlings will be fed with different types of feeds. Madre de

agua leaves, mulberry leaves and duckweeds leaves will be collected and let the leaves

dried into the oven and ground it properly. Then ground leaves will be prepared together

with commercial feeds. Then, madre de agua leaves, mulberry leaves, duckweeds

leaves and the commercial feeds will mix together in corresponding percent in each

treatment. T0- Commercial feeds (100%), T1- Combination of mulberry leaves (50%) and

Commercial feeds (50%), T2- Combination of duckweeds leaves (50%) and Commercial

feeds (50%), T3- Combination of madre de agua leaves (50%) and Commercial feeds
(50%) with three replications. African catfish will be fed based on the total average body

weight (ABW). Average Body Weight is chosen to figure out the feeding rate, which is

utilized to figure out how much food should be given each day. Sampling is done every

15 days to determine the measurement, the growth and survival of the samples and the

effect of the different types of feeds used.

Care and Maintenance

The researchers will monitor the research area every day to check the condition

of the species cultured. Cleaning and inspection of tanks were done every sampling

period. Siphons were used to remove waste feed found at the bottom of the water.

Water parameters were checked twice daily before feeding to ensure the tolerable

range of water in the cultured area. To ensure the safety of the cultured species, the

researchers monitored the area daily.

Statistical Treatment
 In determining the growth characteristics of African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus)

in terms of length and weight, the researchers will use the formula of weighted means

(wm which is:

WM= where: ∑ƒ×= summation of all data

n = no. of samples

Standard deviation will be determined to establish a degree of variability.

Coefficient of variation (CV) will be expressed by getting the standard deviation by

mean.

The specific growth rate in terms of length and weight of the fingerlings will be

computed using the SGR= Lnf-Lni/No. of cultured days × 100 where, SGR is the

specific growth rate, Lnf is the final (length/weight) and Lni is the initial (length/weight).

Three means will be computed in each weighing period, representing the three (3)

groups of African Catfish (Clarias griepinus) with different supplement diets. Percentage

survival will be expressed by getting the quotient of the stocks that will survive and the

total number of samples that will be stocked in every compartment multiplied by one

hundred.
 The researcher will determine the average range of water parameters in terms of

temperature, pH level, DO and turbidity during the culture period of African Catfish

(Clarias gariepinus).

To determine the significant difference in the growth characteristics and survival

rate of African Catfish cultured in an improvised fish tank feed using Madre de agua

leaves, Mulberry leaves, and Duckweeds leaves, the researchers will use the one-way

Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) at α = 0.05. Moreover, the data will be analyzed using

the SPSS version 23 application upon getting the One-Way ANOVA. The researchers

will also use the Tukey Post Hoc Analysis after finding a statistically significant result in

order to determine the differences between independent factors. These will be the

statistical tool used to determine and differentiate the results of the four (4) treatments.
 Operational Definition of Terms

Acclimatization - refers to the process of adjusting to a new environment.

African catfish - is the research subject of the study; a type of freshwater fish native to

the rivers and lakes of Africa.

Duckweed leaves - refers to a product that is high in protein and contain essential

vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Feeding - it means to give foods to the cultured fish to be done twice a day.

Fingerlings - refers to a small fish that are typically less than four inches in length.

Fresh water - refers to the type of water where the study is to be conducted.

Growth rate - refers to a measure of the increase in its size and weight over time.

Madre de agua leaves - in this study it is one of the leaf protein source. It is the leaf

protein source that choose by the researcher because of its high protein content.

Mullberry leaves - refers to a product that is a rich source of proteins, vitamins,

minerals, and other nutrients and is a great way to provide your animals with a healthy,

naturally occurring diet. It is the leaf protein source used by the researchers because

of its high protein content and abundance.

Survival rate - refers to a measure of the number of fish that survive to a certain age or

size relative to the number of fish initially stocked.