Evaluation of cassava leaf meal in the Clarias gariepinus feeding
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Abstract
Different levels (0, 6, 9 and 12 %) of cassava leaf meal (variety CMC-40) were evaluated in the feeding of Clarias gariepinus small fish. A total of 180 animals with an average initial weight of 10.34 (0.08) g were randomly placed in twelve circular cement tanks with a capacity of 68 L. The experimental treatments consisted of four diets: the commercial catfish pre-fattening feed (control) and the remaining ones with 6, 9 and 12 % cassava leaf meal as a partial substitute for soybean and wheat. The experimental cassava leaf meal had 23.87 % crude protein and 16.60 % crude fiber. There were not differences between the amount of food (87.13, 85.57, 86.43 and 85.33 g) and protein supplied per animal (26.80, 26.57, 26.21 and 25.78 g). The growth rates (62.58, 61.31, 62.44 and 59.95 g of final average weight) and the feed conversion ratio (1.65, 1.68, 1.66 and 1.71) were not affected by either diet. Survival was 100 % for all treatments. Economic analysis showed that increasing the amount of cassava leaf meal reduced feeding and rations costs in all treatments. The greatest cost savings resulted from the inclusion of 9 % cassava leaf meal. It is concluded that the inclusion of up to 12 % cassava leaf meal does not compromise the productive performance of Clarias gariepinus small fish and has a positive economic impact.
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