Utilization of Treated Duckweed Meal (Lemna pausicostata) as Plant Protein Supplement in African Mud Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) Juvenile Diets

Abstract

The utilization of treated duckweed (Lemna pauciscostata) as soybean supplement in the diet of African mud catfish (Clarias gariepinus) was carried out for 6 weeks (42 days). Freshly harvested duckweed was given varying treatments (raw, soaked in potash (maize cob as solution), sundried and blanched (at 100°C)) were included at 50% inclusion level. The experimental set up was in triplicate. The result showed highest mean weight gain in the diet 1 (Control diet) and followed by the diet 5 (blanched diet) while diet 2 (raw duckweed) gave the lowest mean weight gain. The food conversion ratio, specific growth rate and protein efficiency ratio followed the same pattern. There was no significant difference between the net profit value of control diet (601.1) and the blanched diet (592.66) (p>0.05) and the blanched diet gave the best benefit cost ratio (BCF). Apart from been viable supplement for soybean meal in the diet of Clarias gariepinus, blanching of duckweed gave better performance than other treatments.