Efficacy of Zonocercus variegatus (Grasshopper) meal on Clarias gariepinus juveniles – Growth rate in Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria.

Abstract

The residents of the north-eastern part of Nigeria like eating edible grasshoppers, which have an amino acid profile that is comparable to fish meal. In terms of amino acid composition, these grasshoppers are just as rich as fish meal. This study investigated the effects of feeding juveniles Clarias gariepinus different amounts of Grasshopper meal (GM) in their diet. Twenty-four (24) Clarias gariepinus juveniles were bought, acclimated for seven days and divided into five treatments groups (Control, T1, T2, T3, and T4). The grasshopper was ground into powder form after being oven-dried to a uniform weight. Five diets were created, each with a different inclusion level of 0%, 30%, 40%, 50%, and 60% respectively. The proximate analysis showed that GM contained 60.90% Crude protein, 12.0% Ether extract, 1.0% Ash content, and 17.0% crude fibre accordingly. Diet T3 had the lowest survival rate at 60%, while diets T1, T4, TC and T2 all had survival rate of 75%. However, there was significant difference (P<0.05) between the two diets. In all of the treatments that were looked at, the feed conversion ratio (FCR) revealed significant variations (p<0.05). Increase mean Length (IML) varied significantly(p<0.05) with T4 gaining the most length (12.67cm) and T3 gaining the least (5.58cm). With the exception of T2 and T3, the physico-chemical parameters of water in the experimental tank were within the acceptable range for C. gariepinus optimum growth. It is recommended that Grasshopper meal (GM) be added to the feed of C. gariepinus for optimum growth performance and lower production costs.