Growth Performance and Nutrient Utilization of Clarias gariepinus Fingerlings Fed Varying Levels of Moringa oleifera Leaf Meal Diets

Abstract

The effect of Moringa oleifera leaf meal as an ingredient in the diet of the African catfish, Clarias gariepinus of mean weight (9.27+ 0.07g) was evaluated over an 84-day rearing period. Three experimental diets were formulated at 0% (control), 15% and 30% inclusion levels of Moringa oleifera meal. Leaves were harvested and air-dried under shed for three days. A control diet of fish meal with fish meal being the only protein source was formulated. All diets were isonitrogenous (35% protein). The 84-days feeding experiment was conducted in plastic tanks, each treatment having three replicates. Fish fed 0% Moringa oleifera meal recorded the best growth in body weight (171.32+0.16) and specific growth rate (1.42+0.003), although the best feed conversion ratio (FCR) was recorded for fish fed on the 15% diet of M. oleifera meal. There were no significant (p>0.05) differences between the condition factor of fish fed control diet and other experimental diets. The study showed that M. oleifera leaf meal may be included in the diets of C. geriepinus at inclusion levels up to 30% but it is better at 15% inclusion level. It is, therefore recommended that M. oleifera leaf meal be used to replace the costly fish meal.