Proximate composition of potential plant feedstuffs for production of Tilapia rendalli in northern Malawi
Abstract
165 words
The aquaculture sector in Malawi contributes two percent to nation’s fish production.
Availability of affordable quality feed is one of the most important problems that hamper
aquaculture growth in Malawi. This study, therefore, aimed at investigating the nutritive
value of locally available plant feedstuffs that can be used to produce a quality and affordable
fish feed. Thirteen local plant feed ingredients were analysed for crude protein, moisture,
crude fibre, energy, crude fat, phosphorus, cassium and potassium. Cassava (Manihot
esculenta) leaves, Black jack (Bidens pilosa) and Cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta) leaves
contained 21.17±0.56%, 24.35±0.7 % and 24.28±0.11% crude protein levels respectively.
Energy levels were high in sweet potato leaf and cassava leaf meal at 29.7kj/g and 20.59
Kj/g respectively. Crude fibre contents ranged from 3.19±0.30% to 16.75±0.35%; minerals
were 21.1±0.29 % to 0.19±0.16% for calcium, 2.20±0.14% to 0.19±0.02 % for potassium
and 7.01±0.00% to 0.29±0.02 % for phosphorus. Findings suggest that plant feedstuff can
be incorporated in fish diets and would markedly reduce cost of fish production.
Subjects
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