ABSTRACT

 This study was done to determine isolates from five brand of fish feeds (Top,Eco,Alleraqua,Blue crown and Nsun). The samples were collected from Ndoro market, and Umuahia main market, with sterile containers. A total of 50 samples were collected from the two different markets in Umuahia, and was analysed in the laboratory by standard microbiological methods. A total of 38 bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, E.coli, Bacillus substilis, Salmonella spp, Proteus mirabilis, Shigella spp and Klebsilla spp) were isolated from the fish feed samples. Results showed that Eco fish feed had the highest bacterial load of 7.2 x 105cfu/g, E.coli had the highest prevalence of 35% in fish feed, Results showed that the fish feed sold at Ndoro, Umuahia in Abia State has the highest occurrence of bacteria in them. The enzymatic activities of the feed in the results proved that the protease and lipase activities are essential for the utilization of protein and lipid in Shigella spp and E.coli ranging from 0.962 ± to 1.224 ± and 2.058 ± to 2.307 ± respectively. These corresponds to the high growth of the fishes. Amylase activity proved the need for the hydrolysis of carbohydrates respond to the level of dietary carbohydrate to starch - rich feed. Also in the study of the antibiotic test showing the presence of resistance strains in fish feed, it was observed that S.typhi isolates were resistant to tetracycline and erythromycin. The antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, norfloxacine, gentamycin, amoxil, streptomycin, erythromycin, ampiclox etc.) used in this study are commonly used clinically in Umuahia to treat infected humans. Feeds contaminated with pathogenic microbes such as Salmonella, should be decontaminated before use or destroyed out rightly. 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title i

Dedication ii

Acknowledgement iii

Table of contents iv

List of tables vi

List of figures vii

Abstract viii

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study 1

1.2 Statement of the Problem 2 

1.3 Objectives of the Study 2

CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Definition of Fish Feed 3

2.1.1 Types of Fish Feed 3

2.2 Nutrition Value Fish Feed 6

2.2.1 Proteins and Amino Acids 6

2.2.2 Lipids 7

2.2.3 Carbohydrates 7

2.2.4 Vitamins and Minerals 7

2.2.5 Pigment 7

2.2.6 Binding Agents 8

2.2.7 Preservatives 8

2.2.8 Attractants 8

2.2.9 Other Feed stuffs 8

2.3 Feed Preparation 9

2.4 Bacteria associated with Fish Feed 10

2.5 Bacteria associated with farmed fish 11

2.6 Factors Contributing to Fish Contamination 13

2.7 Antimicrobial Resistance 14

CHAPTER THREE

MATERIALS AND METHODS  

3.1 Sample Collection 16

3.2        Media Preparation                                                                                                     16

3.2.1 Enumeration and Isolation of Bacteria from Fish Feed Sample                                16                       3.2.2    Identification of Isolates                                                                                             16                                                      

3.3 Gram Staining 17

3.4 Motility Test by Hanging Drop Method 17

3.5 Biochemical Tests 18

3.5.1 Catalase Test 18

3.5.2 Coagulase Test (Slide test) 18

3.5.3 Oxidase Test 18

3.5.4 Citrate Utilization Test 19

3.5.5 Indole Test 19

3.5.6 Voges-Proskauer Test 20

3.5.7 Methyl Red Test 20

3.6 Purification of Isolate 21

3.7 Qualitative Screening of Enzyme Producing Isolates 21

3.7.1 Purification of Enzyme Isolates 21

3.7.2 Production of Amylase Enzyme 21

3.7.3 Production of Lipase Enzyme 21

3.7.4 Screening of Isolates for the Pectinase Activity 22

3.8 Antimicrobial Susceptibility Tests 22

CHAPTER FOUR

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 

4.1 Results 24

4.2 Discussion 33

CHAPTER FIVE

CONCLUSION 

5.1 Conclusion 37

REFERENCE 

LIST OF TABLES

Table                                                                  Title                                                                   Page    

4.1   Identification and Characterize of Bacterial Isolate from Fish Feed Samples               25

4.2   Mean Microbial Count from Fish Feed Sample        26                  

4.3   Distribution of Bacterial Isolates from Fish Feed Samples        29

4.4  Percentage occurrence of Bacterial isolates from fish feed samples                    30

4.5   Enzymatic activities and zone of inhibitions                                31

4.6  Antibiotic susceptibility tests of bacterial isolates from fish feed samples                            32