Cost analysis of producing <i>Oreochromis niloticus</i> with diets containing <i>Moringa Oleifera</i> leaf meal as soybean replacer

Abstract

Economic performance of Moringa Oleifera leaf meal as a dietary protein source in the diet of Oreochromis niloticus was evaluated in 56 days feeding trial. Seventy-five tilapia fingerlings of 1.0±0.01g average weight were acclimatized for a week, weighed and allotted into five dietary treatments; containing 0,25,50,75 and 100% Moringa Oleifera leaf meal replacement levels with soybean meal. Fish were fed 5% body weight per day. Economic analysis was carried out using the incidence of cost. Profit index and gross profit as economic indices. The results of the study indicated the profitability of using Moringa Oleifera leaf meal with positive profit index and gross profit. The profit index of fish fed diet D5 was the highest, while the fish fed diets D1 had the lowest profit index. There existed significant variation (P < 0.05) in the profit index of fish fed various dietary treatments. However, there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in the profit index of fish fed D2, D3, D4 and D5. Similar trends of results were also observed for the incidence of costly and gross profit. It can be concluded from this study that it is economically viable to produce Nile Tilapia with diets containing Moringa Oleifera leaf meal.