THE EFFECT OF CASSAVA LEAF MEAL ON THE GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF AFRICAN CATFISH

Abstract

The effect of substituting groundnut cake (GNC) with cassava leaf meal (CLM) as a  dietary protein source for the African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) was investigated, Histopathological studies of the liver and kidney of catfish were also carried out to
determine the pathological effects. Four test diets containing sun-dried cassava leaf meal replacing 0, 25, 50, 75 and 1001%G1 NC were fed to duplicate groups of catfish in circular plastic tanks (0.018ml). Growth depression and reduced nutrient utilization efficiency occurred with increasing dietary levels of CLM (P < 0.05). Histogathological examination of catfish liver revealed a degeneration of the hepatocytes as the dietary level of CLM increased. There was no mortality and the fish were morphologically normal.