Growth Performance and Survival of Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) Fingerlings Fed Sweet Potato Leaf Meal (SPLM) as Partial Replacement for Soya Beam Meal (SBM)

Abstract

This study was designed to assess the suitability of using sweet potato leaf meal (SPLM) as a substitute for the complete or partial replacement of soya beans as protein source in fish feed formulation. One hundred and sixty Clarias gariepinus fingerlings were fed different levels of experimental diets containing 40% crude
protein. Sweet potato leaf mealwas used at different levels of10% (Diet/Treatment 2 i.e. T2), 20% (T3) and 30% (T4), while 0% served as control (T1). Fingerlings were fed diet at 5% of their body weight for 42days. This study determined the growth, survival and the best inclusion rate of SPLM in the diet which was conducted in a plastic tank. All experimental diet were accepted by the Clarias gariepinus fingerlings without impairing growth. The highest mean weight gain (2.5+ 0.09g) was obtained in fish fed with 10% SPLM inclusion (T2), while the least (1.8+ 0.09g) was recorded in T4 i.e. 30% inclusion. Similar trend was obtained for length increase, protein efficiency and percentage survival. All fish were good in condition except those offered diet T4. The best SPLM inclusion level of the study was obtained in T2.