EFFECTS OF REPLACING SOYBEAN MEAL WITH MORINGA LEAF MEAL IN THE DIETS OF Orechromis niloticus (LINN.)

Utilization of moringa (M.oleifera) as soybean supplement in the diet of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) was carried out for 12 weeks. Moringa leaf was purchased from market along with other feed ingredients. Moringa was processed by drying under shade for one week followed by blanching at a temperature of between 60^oc -80^oc for 15 minutes to minimize or deactivate the anti-nutritive. Moringa leaf was use at inclusion level of 0% (diet 1 - control), 10% (diet 2), 20% (diet 3), 30% (diet 4) and 40% to replace soybean meal. Oreochromis niloticus were stocked equally in ten experimental tanks of 50L in a semi-flow through system and each treatment was in triplicates. Weekly weights, lengths and feed intake were recorded. Fish were also subjected to proximate analysis. The results of mean weight gain shows that Diet 1(Control) recorded the highest weight followed by diet 3(20%) and diet 4 (30%) has the lowest mean weight gain. The fish fed diet 3 which contain 20% inclusion levels of PMLM has the highest FCR followed by0%, 10% and 40% inclusion of PMLM. The fish fed with diet 3 (20%) has the highest SGR while the lowest is recorded in the diet 5 (40%) inclusion of PMLM. PER followed the same pattern. Based on the cost of feed production diet 4 which contain (30%) inclusion levels of PMLM is the cheapest but the Economic evaluation of the experimental diets showed diet 2 (20%) having highest benefit cost ratio followed by diet 2 (10%). Hence the results from this study on growth performance and benefit cost ratio showed that 20% partial replacement of soybean meal is applicable and recommended for practical diet of Oreochromis niloticus in achieving a sustainable aquaculture.

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