Growth and body composition of Catfish, Clarias gariepinus fingerlings fed graded inclusion levels of raw locust bean, Parkia biglobosa meal as replacement for fish meal

Abstract

High cost of fish meal calls for alternative protein source especially from plant. Locust bean (Parkia biglobosa) a plant protein whose availability and low cost can be exploited for advancement of aquaculture production was examined in the research. 180 catfish, Clarias gariepinus fingerlings of 3.46±0.01g average weight were fed raw locust bean at 0%, 5%, 10% and 15% inclusion levels at 50% crude protein. The results obtained significant differences (p<0.05) for 15% raw locust bean meal inclusion which had the highest mean weight gain (5.01 g), SGR (1.62 %/day), FCR (1.10) and PER (1.99) as secomd best performed diet to 100% fishmeal based diet. The study recommends 15% inclusion of raw locust bean meal as replacement for fishmeal in the diet of Clarias gariepinus.