Effect of Trona-treated jackbean on growth performance and nutrient utilization of catfish (<i>Heterobranchus bidorsalis</i>) fingerlings

Abstract

A feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the performance of Heterobranchus bidorsalis fingerlings fed trona (specific name) pre-treated jackbean meal. The jackbeans were soaked in trona solution (3% of the weight of jackbean) for 24 hours and cooked for 30 minutes, dehulled, before sundrying and ground into meal. The jackbean so prepared was then used to formulate the experimental diets at 0%, 10% and 20% levels respectively. Three hundred and sixty (360) fingerlings were divided into three groups and each group randomly assigned to the three treatment diets in a completely randomized design (CRD). Each group was further sub-divided into two replicates. The fish were fed twice daily at 3% body weight. The result of this trial showed no significant difference (P>0.05) among the treatment groups. Trona pre-treated jackbean meal at 10% and 20% dietary levels, supported or improved fingerling performance comparable to the control.

International Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development Vol. 7(2) 2006: 107-111