Author(s): Fakolade AN, Owoeye EA and Igboanugo CS

Abstract: This study examined the utilization of Leucaena leucocephala seed meal (LSM) by Clarias gariepinus fingerlings. five isonitrogenous; 40% crude protein diets were formulated where LSM replaced Soya bean meal (SBM) at 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% inclusions. Catfish fingerlings (5.21 ± 0.14 g) stocked at 5 fish/40 liters tanks were fed diets in triplicates three times daily for 70 days. Data from the completely randomized experiment were subjected to ANOVA and analysis was separated at 5% probability level. The mean weight gain, feed Intake, relative weight gain, Specific growth rate as well as Feed conversion ratio decreased with increase in Leucena seed inclusion in the diet. The control diet with 0% Soyabean replacement level recorded the highest mean value while the least mean value was recorded in treatment V. ANOVA showed that there was significant difference (P<0.05) between Treatment I and the other four treatments. For Feed intake, Treatment I had the highest feed intake value of 5.40g while the least feed intake value (3.34g) was recorded in Treatment V. Control diet also had the highest relative weight gain value of 30.10 and this was significantly different from other treatments. The least Relative weight gain value of 10.15 was recorded in Treatment V with 100% Leucena inclusion level. In the present study it was observed that leucena seed meal can replace Soyabean in the diet of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings but for optimum production Total use of Soyabean is still preferred as the control diet with 100% Soyabean meal performed best among the Treatments.

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