Indian Journal of Science and Technology

Abstract

A feeding trial was conducted in the laboratory for 12 weeks to evaluate the growth response of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings using Parkia biglobosa (Locust bean) as the protein source in place of fish meal. Five experimental diets (40% crude protein) were formulated, four of these diets contained Parkia biglobosa (Locust bean) meal at varying levels of 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% while the diet with fish meal served as control. Fish fingerlings were fed weekly at 5% body weight. It was discovered that the percentage weight gain was not significantly different (p<0.05) among the controlled diet and the experimental diets; specific growth rates were also not significantly different (p<0.05) among the controlled diet, diets A and B but different in diets C and D with diet D (100% of P. biglobosa) having the highest value. The highest weight gain was recorded in diet D containing 100% of P. biglobosa (18.89 g) while the least at 50% inclusion (10.01 g). The fish protein increased with increasing locust bean substitution. Based on the result of this study we conclude that C. gariepinus could tolerate 100% inclusion of locust bean meal in the diet in place of fishmeal.
Keywords: Growth response, nutrient utilization, Clarias gariepinus, Parkia biglobosa, protein.