Effect of partial or total supplementation of soybean meal with fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis) seed meal in the diet of hybrid Catfish (Heteroclarias) fingerlings

Abstract

The study evaluated the effect of partial or total supplementation of soybean meal with full-fat Telifaria occidentalis seed meal on performance and whole body composition of Heteroclarias fingerlings. Five iso-nitrogenous (40% crude protein) basal diets were prepared using locally available feedstuffs, while T. occidentalis seed meal was added at varying inclusion levels (0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%). One hundred and fifty apparently healthy Heteroclarias fingerlings (4.26 ± 0.26 g) were stocked in glass tanks (50 L capacity) at 10 fish / tank with each treatment in triplicate. Fish were fed at 5% body weight in two equal portions daily for 56 days and culture water changed on alternate days. The result of this study showed a significant variation (p