Digestibility, Growth and Hepatosomatic Index of Oreochromis Niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) Fed Diets Containing Blanched Lemna paucicostata (Hegelm)

Abstract

This study evaluated digestibility, growth and hepatosomatic index of Oreochromis niloticus fed diets containing blanched Lemna paucicostata as a replacement for toasted soybean meal. Five iso-proteinous diets were formulated using feed solution software, blanched Lemna paucicostata was used to replace toasted soybean meal progressively at 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% respectively. Fifteen Hapa nets of 1m2 each were used. Ten Oreochromis niloticus juveniles were introduced into each of the nets. The fish were fed at 5% body weight three times daily for a period of six months. There was significant difference (P≤0.05) in the apparent protein digestibility coefficient among the treatments and the control. Highest apparent protein digestibility coefficient of 92.94% was recorded in the diet containing 75% blanched L. paucicostata meal while the least value of 86.86% was obtained in the diet with 100% L. paucicostata meal. The fish fed diet containing 75% blanched L. paucicostata meal recorded significantly highest (P≤0.05) mean final weight of 468.01g followed by the fish fed with 50% blanched L. paucicostata meal with 453.68g, the fish fed 100% blanched L. paucicostata meal recorded significantly lowest (P≤0.05) value of 401.54g. The fish fed diet containing 75% inclusion level of blanched L. paucicostata meal gave the best protein, lipid, ash and carbohydrate digestibility of 92.94%, 90.62%, 52.29% and 80.56%, respectively and also gave the best growth performance and hepatosomatic index.