Leaf Meal in the Diet of African Catfish Fingerlings

The efficacy of Cassia tora leaf meal as an ingredient in the diet of the African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) fingerlings of mean weight 2.17±0.01g was evaluated over 63-days growth period. Five experimental diets were formulated at 0% 3% 6% 9% and 12% inclusion level of the leaf meal. These revealed that the leaf meal could serve as protein supplement. The results of phytochemical test analyzed revealed that the leaf contains anti- nutritional factors such as alkaloids tannins steroids saponins and flavonoids. The growth indices for diet I (control) revealed highest mean weight gain weekly weight gain specific growth rate and percentage weight gain. These were significantly (P<0.05) higher than the values for other dietary treatments.