Author(s): KG Michael and AI Mathias

Abstract: Growth performance of Clarias gariepinus fed with locust bean (Parkia biglobosa) supplemented diets was carried out for 56days in a plastic tank. Locust beans were fermented. 40% crude protein diets were formulated using Pearson square method in which fermented locust bean meal was included at varying levels of D1-0%, D2-25%, D3-50%, D4-75% and D5-100%. 150 Clarias gariepinus fingerlings were acclimatized for 48hours and stocked in 25L circular plastic bowls; they were triplicated and labelled according to the inclusion level. The initial weight and length were taken at the beginning of the experiment and also weekly to adjust the quantity of feed given to the fish at 5% body weight. Feeding was done twice day (morning and evening). Water quality was measured and experiment monitored for daily mortality. Raw data generated was subjected to descriptive analysis while mean was subjected to one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), significance difference was compare at 5%. The result of the experiment shows that the best weight gains (17.31), specific growth rate, (0.99) and feed conversion ratio (2.55), protein efficiency ratio (0.13) and gross energy (531.80) were from fish fed with D2. The temperature, dissolved oxygen and pH were not significantly different (p<0.05) but there was significant difference (p<0.05) in the Ammonia concentration with the treatment. The highest gross profit, 434.28 and benefit cost ratio, 3.54, were recorded in D2. Based on findings from this research, 25% inclusion of locust bean meal can replace soybean without affecting the profit of the farmers. Proximate composition, growth and cost benefit analysis was determined.

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