Abstracto

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

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.