Abstract

The Effects of Feeds Formulated with Moringa Oleifera Leaves on the Growth of the African Catfish, Clarias Gariepinus

Author(s): Nsofor CI, Igwilo IO, Avwemoya FE and Adindu CS

Three experimental diets were formulated to contain Moringa oleifera leaf meal at levels of 20%, 40% and 60% of the total dietary protein (Diets 2, 3 and 4 respectively) and Diet 1 as a control, which included only fish meal and soya bean meal as protein sources were fed to cat fish (Clarias gariepinus) of mean weight 19.00 ± 2.00 g and mean length of 14.00 ± 0.5 cm in replicates for 60-day growth period. The best growth response was obtained in fish fed 20% Moringa oleifera leaf inclusion. Fish fed 60% Moringa leaves had the lowest growth response. All the treatment diets showed that growth due to increasing dietary Moringa leaves were significant (p<0.05). The results revealed that optimum inclusion level of Moringa leaves in the formulation of practical diets for the improved growth of Clarias gariepinus was 20% inclusion level.