Evaluation of cassava meal as substitute for wheat in the feeding Clarias gariepinus

Abstract

The present study evaluated the use of whole cassava meal (HYI) as a partial substitute for wheat meal (HT) in the commercial feed of Clarias gariepinus during the pre-fattening stage. A total of 180 animals, with an average initial weight of 10.6 ± 0.05 g, were utilized in the study. These animals were randomly allocated to one of four treatments, with each treatment having three replicates. A one factor ANOVA followed by a Duncan significance test at the 5% probability level were employed to analyze the results. The treatments were: a control group using a formulation of the commercial catfish feed and three experimental diets with HYI that represented the replacement of 25, 50, and 75% of the wheat meal from the control diet, respectively. The pellets containing HYI demonstrated optimal physical integration and acceptance by the animals. No differences were detected in the amounts of food (87.13, 85.80, 87.56, and 85.33 g) or protein supplied per animal (26.80, 24.82, 26.02, and 24.89 g). The final weights and feed conversion rates were comparable across the groups, with no significant differences observed (p > 0.05). However, the protein efficiency (1.96, 2.02, 2.10, and 2.00) was enhanced when 50% of the wheat was substituted. The survival rates were found to be 100% across all treatment groups. The economic analysis revealed that all treatment options with HYI exhibited both reduced feed costs and tangible economic benefits. The most significant cost reductions were realized through the substitution of 50% of the wheat meal (US $115.22/t of fish). The findings of this study demonstrate that the incorporation of whole cassava meal into the commercial feed of C. gariepinus fingerlings can substitute for up to 75% of wheat meal, without adversely affecting the animals' productivity or exerting a favorable economic influence.