Growth Performance and Nutrient Utilization of Clarias Gariepinus Fed Moringa Oleifera Leaf Meal

Abstract

A ten weeks feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the growth performance and nutrient utilization of Clarias gariepinus fed varying inclusion levels  of Moringa oleiifera leaf meal. A total of two hundred and twenty five fingerlings were allotted to five varying treatments of Moringa oleifera leaf meal at 0%, 5%, 7.5% 10% and 12.50% indicating treatments 1,2, 3, 4 and 5 respectively. Fifteen fingerlings were stocked in a tank of 50 liters each and the treatments were replicated three times .At the end of the feeding trial, the growth parameters determines were total daily feed intake, average feed intake and weight gain. .All the growth parameters were significantly different (p<0.05). Highest mean weight gain (MWG) 14.35g was observed in treatment 5 (12.5% Moringa oleifera leaf meal ) and the least value (7.75g) was recorded in treatment 2.. The positive linear increase in mean weight gain observed in the treatments 1-5 showed that all formulated diets were nutritionally adequate. Treatment 5 (12.5% Moringa oleifera leaf meal) had the highest percentage weight gain 82.50%. However, the least percentage weight gain 43.63% was recorded for treatment 2 (5% Moringa oleifera leaf meal). In the same vein, highest specific growth rate (SGR) 0.84 %/day was shown by treatment 5 (12.5% Moringa oleifera leaf meal) and treatment 2 had least value of 0.52%/day . The best feed conversion and protein efficiency were achieved by the treatment 5(12.5% Moringa oleifera leaf meal).The results clearly showed that fish fed 12.5% Moringa oleifera leaf meal performed excellently well. Therefore, it can be concluded that Moringa oleifera leaf meal can replace Groundnut cake up to 12.5% in the nutrition of Clarias gariepinus.

Keywords: Growth, treatment, Feed conversion ratio and percentage inclusion level