Growth Performance of <i>Clarias gariepinus</i> Fingerlings Fed <i>Jatropha curcas</i> Kernel Meal

Abstract

This study was designed to evaluate the growth performance of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings fed detoxified Jatropha curcas kernel meal as a replacement for fishmeal. Fingerlings (1.37±0.02 g) were stocked in Hapa net measuring 1×1×1 m 3 and fed diets (35% crude protein) containing 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% detoxified Jatropha kernel meal as replacement for fishmeal (at 26% level of inclusion). At the end of the eight weeks feeding trials, the mean weight gain, feed conversion ratio, Specific Growth rate and Protein Efficiency Ratio were higher in the fish fed 13% inclusion level (50% replacement of fish meal) while least values were recorded at 26% (100% replacement of fish meal). The study shows that a carnivorous fish like Clarias gariepinus can tolerate the inclusion of detoxified jatropha kernel meal at 13% without affecting the growth and nutrient utilization of the fingerlings.