An affordable feed for the growth of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) juveniles was developed in Benin as an alternative to high-cost imported feed. First, locally available fish feed ingredients were inventoried. Next, six feed formulas (Feed 1-Feed 6) were developed using linear algebra software and feeds were pelleted using a locally built extruder. The protein content of formulated feeds ranged from 366 to 405 g kg-1, fat content from 84 to 111 g kg-1 and carbohydrate content from 239 to 330 g kg-1. Feed 1 (protein: 390 g kg-1, fat: 84 g kg-1, carbohydrates: 330 g kg-1) came closest to the imported feed (protein: 424 g kg-1, fat: 84 g kg-1, carbohydrates: 346 g kg-1) used by most fish farmers in Benin for catfish. It also had the lowest ingredient cost (0.46 US$ kg-1). Subsequently, the growth of C. gariepinus fingerlings was assessed when fed with Feed 1 in a 56-day exploratory trial. Weight gain, feed intake and protein intake of fish fed with Feed 1 were significantly lower (p = .000 for each parameter) than those fed with the control feed. However, Feed 1 had a good Feed Conversion Ratio (1.25) and an acceptable Protein Efficiency Ratio (2.05).

Keywords: Extrusion; feed formulation; feeding trial; feed ingredients; nutritional composition