An evaluation of mixture of Moringa (<i>Moringa oleifera</i>) leaf and kernel meals as partial replacement for fish meal in the diet of <i>Clarias gariepinus</i> juveniles

Abstract

A 56-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the growth performance and nutrient utilization of Clarias gariepinus juveniles fed graded levels of a mixture of Moringa oleifera leaf and kernel meal (1:1) as partial replacement for fishmeal. Triplicates groups of fish (average weight, 8.83±0.04 g) were allotted to four isonitrogenous (40% crude protein) diets containing mixture of M. oleifera leaf and kernel meal (1:1) at 0%, 20%, 40% and 60% designated as CD, 20RM, 40RM and 60RM respectively. At the end of the feeding trial, weight gain and specific growth rate of the groups of fish reared on CD and 20RM were statistically higher (P<0.05) than those reared on 40RM and 60RM diets. The protein efficiency ratio of CD and 20RM were statistically better (P<0.05) than those of 40RM and 60RM. The results showed that the mixture of M. oleifera leaf and kernel meal (1:1) can be used to replace up to 20% of the fish meal in C. gariepinus juvenile diet, without adverse effects on survival, growth performance and nutrient utilization.Keywords: Moringa leaf, moringa kernel, growth performance, nutrient utilization, Clarias gariepinus