Growth Responses of Hybrid Catfish (Clarias gariepinus ♀ X Heterobranchus bidosarlis ♂) Fingerlings Fed Diets Lablab Bean Meal (Lablab purpureus)

Abstract

This study examined the replacement of soyabean meal (SBM) with Lablab bean meal (LBM) in the practical diets of Clariid catfish (Heteroclarias). Five Iso-nitrogenous diets of 40%CP containing varying levels of LBM were incorporated as a non-conventional feedstuff at D1(10% LBM); D2(20%LBM); D3(30%LBM); D4(40%LBM) and D5(50% LBM) as a replacement for soyabean meal. Seventy-five Heteroclarias fingerlings with an initial mean weight of 1.46±0.01 g were stocked randomly to five treatments in triplicate groups and were fed to satiation twice daily for a period of 70 days. At the end of the 70days experimental period, all growth parameters decreased across all diets from D1 to D5. D1(10% LBM) had the best growth rate as it recorded the highest value in terms  of weight gain (1.25); feed intake (2.34); feed conversion ratio (1.86); relative weight gain (4.86) and specific Growth rate of (1.33) while D5 recorded the least values across all parameters. D1 was not significantly different (P>0.05) from D­2 in all growth parameters listed above but D1 and D2 were significantly different (P<0.05) from D3, D4 and D5. Therefore, Lablab bean meal can replace soyabean meal totally but will be best at 10% replacement in diets for Hetero clarias without compromising the growth and carcass composition. Further research should be carried out to test lablab meal on pure Heterobranchus bidorsalis fingerlings.