Growth performance of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings fed varying inclusion levels of toasted African mesquite (Prosopis africana) seed meal

Abstract

Growth performance of Clarias gariepinus fed varying inclusion levels of toasted Prosopis africana seed meal was carried out for 40days in a plastic tank. African mesquite was toasted. 40% crude protein diets were formulated using Pearson square method in which African mesquite seed meal was included at varying levels of Diet 1 - 0%, Diet 2 - 5%, Diet 3 - 10%, Diet 4 - 15% and Diet 5 - 20% African mesquite seed meal. 100 Clarias gariepinus fingerlings were acclimatized for 24hours and stocked in 40 Liter circular plastic tank, each tank was duplicated and labeled according to the inclusion level. The initial weight and length were taken at the beginning of the experiment and also weekly to adjust the quantity of feed given to the fish at 5% body weight. Feeding was done two times a day (morning and evening). Water quality was measured and experiment monitored for daily mortality. The cost benefit analysis was also determined. The result of the experiment shows that the best weight gains (28.22±5.23a), specific growth rate (1.90±0.25a), feed conversion ratio (0.88±0.08b), relative growth rate (82.42±4.06a), protein intake (959.5±85.6), protein efficiency ratio (0.0045±0.00a), feed intake (24.7±2.20a) and gross energy (4.55±0.00) were from fish fed with Diet 5. The temperature, dissolved oxygen and pH were not significantly different (p≤0.05). The highest net production value with (28225.00±529.66a), and benefit cost ratio with (521.36±78.94a) were recorded in Diet 5. Based on findings from this research, 20% inclusion of Prosopis africana seed meal can replace soybean without affecting the profit of the farmers.