Growth performance and haematology of Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) fed varying inclusions of Leucaena leucocephala seed meal based-diets [Evaluación del crecimiento y hematología de clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) alimentados con diferentes inc
Department of Forestry Wildlife and Fisheries Management, Faculty of Agriculture, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Lafia Campus, P. M. B. 135 Lafia, Nigeria; Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Management, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
Sotolu, A.O., Department of Forestry Wildlife and Fisheries Management, Faculty of Agriculture, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Lafia Campus, P. M. B. 135 Lafia, Nigeria; Faturoti, E.O., Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Management, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
Utilization of plant protein sources in aquaculture have continued to produce more promising results towards alleviating high cost of feeding. This study examined the utilization of Leucaena leucocephala 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±0.14g) stocked at 25 fish/70 liters tanks were fed diets in triplicates three times daily for 112 days. Solid wastes were siphoned everyday before feeding while total water exchange with fresh clean water was done when data on fish growth and haematology were collected. Chemical analysis of diets and feeds were carried out before experiment and that of fish alone was repeated after the experiment. Data from the completely randomized experiment were subjected to ANOVA and correlation analysis and L.S.D. 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 in fish diet r= -0.62,-0.57,-0.78 and -0.64 respectively. Fish carcass protein, packed cell volume and haemoglobin counts 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.