Evaluation of the Growth Performance of Afrcian Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) Fed Graded Levels of Raw Sickle Pod (Senna obtusifolia) Seed Meal

Abstract

This study investigated the replacement of soybean meal with raw Senna obtusifolia seed meal on the growth of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings. Four isonitrogenous (40% crude protein) diets were formulated in which raw Senna obtusifolia seed meal RSOSM in graded levels replaced soybean meal (SBM) at 0% RSOSM, 10% RSOSM, 20% RSOSM and 30% RSOSM. Two hundred and forty (240) fingerlings of Clarias gariepinus with mean initial weight (2.85±0.01g) were stocked at twenty (20) fish per pond in three replicates per treatment and fed the experimental diets at 5% body weight twice a day for 180 days. Feeding quantity was adjusted after every weighing fortnightly. Water pH and temperature were taken daily (8.00-9.00h) using combined pH and thermometer model pH-009(111), while the Dissolved oxygen (DO) was determined using the DO meter model DO-510. The water quality parameters monitored were within the range recommended for Clarias gariepinus. The 0% RSOSM had the highest mean weight gain (279.02g) significantly (P0.05). The NPU was highest in fish fed 0% RSOSM (91.64) while fish fed 30% RSOSM had the least (76.60). There was no significant difference among the mean feed intake except for the 30% RSOSM which has (71.60g) and is the lowest. Soybean meal can be substituted with RSOSM up to 20% in the diets of Clarias gariepinus without any negative effects on the growth and feed utilization. The inclusion of RSOSM in the diet of C. gariepinus should not exceed 30% level of substitution with soya bean.