Effects of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis leaf as binder in the diet of Oreochromis niloticus fingerlings

Abstract

The experiment was conducted to assess the effects Hibiscus rosa-sinensis leaf as a binder in fish feed. Six iso-nitrogenous diets containing 35% crude protein was formulated and pelleted. There were significant differences (P<0.05) in the thickness strength (mm), hardness (mm) and water stability (%) of the diets. Diet MWH had the highest water stability (89.26±0.12%) and the lowest was diet MAH (83.53±0.05). diet MAH had the highest water absorption index of 1.70±0.00 and the lowest was diet MWH with 0.74±0.01. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in the sinking rate (cmsec-1), and bulk density (gcm-3) of diets. Protein retention ranged from 91.07 % (WHH) to 95.83 % (MAI), lipid retention was between 90.87% in MWH and 94.74 %. Friability was highest in diet MWH (0.88±0.00 %) and the least was MAI (0.68±0.00 %). There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in the FCR, FER, mean feed intake and percentage survival of fish fed experimental diets. There were significant differences (P>0.05) in the crude protein, fat, and ash contents of experimental fish after the feeding trial. Fish fed diet WHH had the highest whole body crude protein content (50.98±0.06) and the least fat content (16.75±0.51). The result shows that H. rosa-sinensis leaf can be used as binders.

Keywords: Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, Binder, physical properties, growth parameters