Growth Performance of Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) Fed Varying Inclusions of Leucaena leucocephala Seed Meal

• Main Author: Sotolu, AO.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Presses Agronomiques de Gembloux 2010-01-01
• Series: Tropicultura
• Subjects: Plant protein; Leucaena seed meal; Soya bean meal; Catfish feeding; Aquaculture; Nigeria
• Online Access: http://www.tropicultura.org/text/v28n3/168.pdf

This study examined the utilization of Leucaena leucocephala (Lam de Wit) seed meal (LSM) for sustainable fish production. Six isonitrogenous; 40% crude protein diets were formulated where LSM replaced Soya bean meal (SBM) at 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% inclusions. Catfish fingerlings (5.21 ± 0.14 g) stocked at 25 fish/70 liters tanks were fed diets in triplicates three times daily for 112 days. Data from the completely randomized experiment were subjected to ANOVA and correlation analysis was separated at 5% probability level. Mean weight gain (MWG) and Specific growth rate (SGR) of fish fed 20% LSM were statistically different (p< 0.05) from those fish fed LSM at higher inclusion rates. Fish MWG, SGR, PER and FCR significantly (p< 0.05) correlated negatively with LSM inclusion rates r= -0.62,-0.57, -0.78 and -0.64 respectively. Fish carcass proteins of fish were statistically the same for 0%, 20% and 40% LSM fed fish. In the present study processed leucaena seed meal can be considered as a good alternative raw material in substitution to soya bean meal for Clarias gariepinus fingerlings' diets at 20% inclusion level.