Growth performance of Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) fed varying inclusions of Leucaena leucocephala seed meal.

This study examined the utilization of Leucaena leucocephala (Lam de Wit) seed meal (LSM) for sustainable fish production. Six isonitrogenous; 40% crude protein diets were formulated where LSM replaced Soya bean meal (SBM) at 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% inclusions. Catfish fingerlings (5.21 ± 0.14 g) stocked at 25 fish/70 liters tanks were fed diets in triplicates three times daily for 112 days. Data from the completely randomized experiment were subjected to ANOVA and correlation analysis was separated at 5% probability level. Mean weight gain (MWG) and Specific growth rate (SGR) of fish fed 20% LSM were statistically different (p< 0.05) from those fish fed LSM at higher inclusion rates. Fish MWG, SGR, PER and FCR significantly (p< 0.05) correlated negatively with LSM inclusion rates r= -0.62,-0.57, -0.78 and -0.64 respectively. Fish carcass proteins of fish were statistically the same for 0%, 20% and 40% LSM fed fish. In the present study processed leucaena seed meal can be considered as a good alternative raw material in substitution to soya bean meal for Clarias gariepinus fingerlings' diets at 20% inclusion level.