RESPONSE OF NILE TILAPIA, Oreochromis niloticus. FINGERLINGS TO DIETS SUPPLEMENTED WITH DIFFERENT LEVELS OF FENUGREEK SEEDS (HULBA)

Abstract

Five experimental isonitrogenous (30% crude protein) and isoenergitic diets (446 kcal gross energy /100g dry feed) were formulated to contain 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8% of fenugreek seeds meal(FSM}, aiming to study the effects of different levels of FSM on groiNth performance, feed and nutrients utilization, body composition,levels of plasma glucose, total plasma lipids (TPL) and total plasma proteins (TPP), activity of liver enzymes and cost-benefit analysis of Nile tilapia fingerlings. Ten glass aquaria, with the dimensions of 70x30x 40 em, were used to stock 10 fish (averaging 6 g/fish)/each. Fish fed 3-5% of the body weight da'rly at three meals, six days a week for 77 days. Fish were weighed biweekly and feed amounts were adjusted on the basis of the new weight. - Results showed that fish fed diets containing 2% FSM had significantly higher (P<0.05) body weight, weight gain, SGR, FCR and PER than those fed the control diet and other supplemented fenugreek seed levels. However, FSM levels of 6 and 8% gave significantly (P<0.05) lower groiNth perfonnance parameters, FCR, PER, PPV% and ER% than the control diet. No significant differences (P> 0.05) were ot st. rved in moisture, crude protein, ether extract, ash and energy content of Nile tilap1a fed diets containing various levers of FSM. However, plasma glucose, total protein and total lipid concentrations were decreased as FSM levels increased in the experimental diets. Cost-benefit analysis indicated that the 2% FSM level was more economically than other fenugreek seed supplemented levels. Keywords: Nile tilapia, Feed additives, Fenugreek seeds, Growth, Chemical composition