Evaluation of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) as a substitute for soya bean meal in the diet of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51791/njap.v30i2.1524Keywords:
Pigeon pea, protein, feed utilization, tilapiaAbstract
Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) meal was substituted for soybean meal in the practical diets for Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus fingerlings. Six iso-nitrogenous diets (35% crude protein) were formulated in which heat-treated soybean meal was replaced at varying levels (0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100%) with protein from pressure-cooked and sun dried pigeon meal (23% crude protein). Nile tilapia fed 60% pigeon pea meal had significantly (P<0.01) better growth response and nutrient utilisation. Growth was depressed in low pigeon pea fish and also in high (above 60%) pigeon pea diets. The poorest feed conversion ratio was observed from 100% pigeon pea fed fish.