Use of fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis) leaf powder as feed additive in African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) fingerlings

Abstract

The effect of dietary Telfairia occidentalis leaf meal on growth, haematological profile, and body composition was investigated in African catfish Clarias gariepinus. Fingerlings of (5.12 ± 0.06 g) average weights were fed diets supplemented with four concentrations (5, 10, 15, and 20 g of T. occidentalis leaf powder/kg feed) for 56 days. Fish fed supplemented diets showed significantly improved growth performance, haematological parameters and feed utilization over the control (0 g T. occidentalis leaf meal/kg feed) treatment. The highest specific growth rate (7.33 ± 2.37% day-1) and best food conversion ratio (0.86 ± 0.06) were obtained in the 5 g T. occidentalis leaf meal/kg feed treatment. Protein efficiency ratio was higher in fish fed with T. occidentalis leaf meal and lowest in the control. No differences occurred in fish carcass moisture, protein, or ash content among the treatments (p >.05). The results suggest that dietary supplementation with T. occidentalis leaf powder improved the growth, feed utilization, and survival of C. gariepinus fingerlings.