Effects of graded levels of Moringa oleifera seed meal on apparent digestibility coefficient and body composition of Clarias gariepinus

Abstract

The study evaluated the apparent nutrient digestibility coefficient and body composition of Clarias gariepinus fed graded levels of processed (Boiling for 90 minutes and soaking for 72 hours) Moringa oleifera seed meal. Five isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets were formulated and test ingredient Moringa oleifera seed meal (MSM) was incorporated at 20-80% inclusion levels of fishmeal representing Treatment A (0%), Diet B (20%), Diet C (40%), Diet D (60%) and Diet E (80%) and Chromic oxide (Chromium iii oxide, Cr2O3) was also incorporated at 1% as an inert indicator/marker of digestion. A total of 300 fingerlings of C. gariepinus of 1.53±0.02g and 6.21±0.04cm average weight and length, respectively were fed the prepared diets at 5% body weight per day thrice daily for two weeks and fecal samples were collected for apparent digestibility coefficient assessment. Proportions of chromic oxide in the diets and faeces were analysed and digestibility indices were determined. The apparent digestibility for dry matter was analysed using analysis of variance which recorded a significant difference (p<0.05) in all the treatments with the highest and lowest values of 29.30±17.92 and 9.67±3.55 recorded in T5 (80%) and T1 (0%) respectively. Significantly (p<0.05) highest 57.53±1.32and 57.14±0.85 apparent digestibility of crude protein values were observed in T1 (0%) and T2 (20%) diets respectively, while the lowest 50.92±10.30 was recorded in T5 (80%) diet. The study revealed that apparent digestibility decreased with the increased substitution of fishmeal with Moringa oleifera seed meal