Utilization of enzyme supplemented <i>Telfairia occidentalis</i> stalk extract as growth inducer in <i>Oreochromis niloticus</i> fingerlings

Abstract

An eight (8) week feeding trial was carried out to assess the use of enzyme natuzyme supplemented Telfairia occidentalis stalk extract as growth inducer in the practical diet for Oreochromis niloticus fingerlings. Five isonitrogenous (35% crude protein) diets at 0 ml of stalk extract and enzyme (TRT 1), 15 ml (TRT 2) and 30 ml (TRT 3) of stalk extract with enzyme, 15 ml (TRT 4) and 30 ml (TRT 5) of stalk extract without enzyme were fed to O. niloticus fingerlings. At the end of the feeding trial, the group of O. niloticus fingerlings fed 30 ml of stalk extract with enzyme (TRT 3) gave better growth and nutrient utilization indices. The feed conversion ratio observed in this group (1.87) was significantly better (p<0.05) than values obtained in other groups. Apparent net protein utilization was highest (93.60) and significantly higher than the control diet (23.70). The percentage survival did not however, show any bias in any of the diets as TRT 3 and TRT 5, each had 96.67% survival rate. This showed that O. niloticus fingerlings could successfully be raised on diets with at least 30 ml of T. occidentalis stalk extract with enzyme.

Keywords: Utilization, enzyme, Telfairia occidentalis, extract, growth, fingerlings, Oreochromis niloticus