Growth Response of Oreochromis niloticus (L) fed Crude Extract of Azadirachta indica Saponins

Abstract

A 56 day feeding experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of Azadirachta indica saponins on growth of Oreochromis niloticus. Saponins from Azadirachta indica leaf was isolated and incorporated into a basal diet at 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0 and 8.0 g kg-1 respectively (representing; D1, D2, D3, D4, D5 and D5), and fed to 180 Oreochromis niloticus of Mean±SD weight 20.97±3.52-23.13±1.99 g, twice daily at 3 % of their body weight. There was variations (p<0.05) in the growth parameters, the highest Mean±SD weight gain of 23.12±2.79 g was observed in group D3 (1.0 g kg-1 diet) which also had the best average daily growth rate, specific growth rate and food conversion ratio of 0.44±0.01, 1.158±0.02 and 1.57±1.09 respectively. Gradual increase in weight gain was observed as the concentration of A. indica saponins increased from 0.5-1.0 g kg-1 and a decrease was observed from 2.0-8.0 g kg-1 diet. The control group had the least percentage weight gain of 68.37±2.99 %. This study infers that for efficient and sustainable development in tilapia culture Azadirachta indica saponins could be used to enhance growth of Oreochromis niloticus.