Growth And Nutrient Utilization Of Heteroclarias (H. bidorsalis X C. gariepinus) Fed Dietary Levels Of Carica Papaya Leaf Meal

Abstract

The effects of dietary levels of Carica papaya leaf meal on the growth and nutrient utilization of post fingerlings of Heteroclarias (H. bidorsalis x C. gariepinus) were determined.Two hundred and twenty five (225) post fingerlings of Heteroclarias were randomly assigned to 5 treatments – TCN, TC1, TC2, TC3, and TC4, in 3 replicates of 15 post fingerlings each, using 15 plastic aquaria of 250cm x 150cm size. The experimental fish were respectively fed 35% isonitrogenous diets containing 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% Carica papaya leaf meal (CPLM) twice daily at 5% body weight within the experimental period of 56days.Growth and nutrient utilization of the fish were determined. There were no significant (p > 0.05) differences in the daily protein intakes of fish in the different treatment groups. The Protein efficiency ratio of the Control was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than the dietary treatments containing Carica papayaleaf meal (CPLM). The feed conversion ratio of the control was significantly (p < 0.05) better than lower levels of Carica papayaleaf meal –TC1 and TC2. CPLM could not effectively compare with the control to achieve high overall growth performance of the fish.