Effect of Moringa oleifera Leaf Meal on Mineral Contents of Labeo rohita Fingerlings

Abstract

Fish meal, a highly digestible source of protein in aqua feed, has not been readily available to fulfill the need for sustainable aquaculture production due to its limited supply and high price. So, the aim of this study was to develop more sustainable and economically viable aquaculture production by substituting fish meal with Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM). In this research, the mineral digestibility of Labeo rohita fingerlings (6.57±0.03 g) was investigated over 70 days by formulating five iso-nitrogenous diets to substitute MOLM with 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40% of fish meal. There was a random distribution of 15 fingerlings into replica tanks. Fingerlings were fed (5% body weight) twice daily. The results demonstrated that mineral digestibility was enhanced when fish meal was replaced with MOLM up to 10% (Ca, 65%; Na, 63%; K, 71%; Fe, 67%; Cu, 69%; Zn, 67%; Mn, 61%; P, 70% and Mg, 66%) compared to fingerlings fed on other replacement levels and control (Ca, 55%; Na, 52%; K, 55%; Fe, 70%; Cu, 63%; Zn, 60%; Mn, 59%; P, 64% and Mg, 64%). Mineral digestibility in L. rohita fingerlings was greatly improved by feeding a diet consisting of 10% MOLM level followed by 20% level. Therefore, the results of this research indicated that MOLM may successfully substitute up to 10% of the fish meal in the diet of L. rohita without any adverse effects. On the basis of this study, it was concluded that 10% MOLM when used as an alternative to fish meal, enhances the mineral retention in L. rohita fingerlings.