Nutrient Digestibility of Non-conventional Protein Sources Blend in African Catfish, Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) Post Juveniles Using Novel Aquafeed Formulation Software

Abstract

In this study, the growth performance, carcass composition, and apparent digestibility coefficient of African catfish, Clarias gariepinus, were evaluated in relation to different non-conventional protein sources blends diets that were formulated using a novel feed formulation software (FUTA AQUAFEED). Diet 1 served as the control diet, and the other four experimental diets (Diets 2 through 5) included non-conventional protein sources such blood meal, water hyacinth, palm kernel cake, palm beetle meal, blackfly meal, water fern, and Moringa. The gross composition of the experimental feeds exhibited notable variations in nutrient content. The crude protein content in the diets were iso-nitrogenous. Analysis of the composition of the carcass showed that diets varied significantly. Diet 5 had the highest fat content (10.66%), while Diet 3 had the highest crude protein amount (61.57%). Growth performance parameters such as initial and final weights, weight increase, feed conversion ratio (FCR), specific growth rate (SGR), and protein efficiency ratio (PER) exhibited diverse patterns. Diet 5 produced the greatest final weight (324.00 ± 122.94 g) and weight gain (173.32 ± 96.06 g), suggesting that the varied protein blend may have advantages. Dietary differences were seen in the apparent digestibility coefficients of crude protein and lipids. The crude protein digestibility coefficient (90.68%) was best in Diet 3, while the crude lipid digestibility coefficient (92.00%) was highest in Diet 1. In conclusion, the inclusion of unconventional protein sources in the diets of C. gariepinus affects both their growth performance and nutritional makeup. Through the incorporation of alternate protein sources into fish diets, the findings offer insights for improving aquaculture techniques and advancing sustainability.