Growth Performance and Hematology of the African Catfish ( Clarias gariepinus Burchell, 1822) Juveniles Fed Graded Level of Anisophyllea Laurina R. Br. Ex. Sabine ( Monkey Plum ) Seed Meal

Abstract

Anisophyllealaurina seed meal (ASM)in this study partially replacedfish meal(FM). Isonitrogenous and isocaloricdiets (40% crude protein) containing0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100% ASMwere formulated. Clariasgariepinus juveniles (32.72 ± 0.32) stocked at 10 fish/50L troughs fed twice daily for 98 daysutilized effectively the formulated diets for growth.Mean weight gained (MWG) washighest at 0%and 25% butdecreased as ASM increased.Specific growth rate (SGR), Protein efficiency ratio (PER), Protein intake (PI) were significant (p<0.05) at 0% and 25% inclusion. Survival rate (%SR)was unrelated totreatment - highest at 0% and 100% (97%SR)and least at 75% (90%SR).Carcass protein, packed cell volume and haemoglobin counts were statistically the same at 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% inclusion. Since C. gariepinusperform better at 25%ASM inclusion it is recommended as the level of replacement for FM in fish diets.