Growth Performance, Enzymatic Activities, Haematology and Serum Biochemistry of Clarias Gariepinus Fed Thermally Processed Jatropha Curcas Kernel Meal Based Diets

AbstractJatropha curcaskernel meal is an agro-industrial by-product that is rich in essential nutrients that can be utilized by fish for optimal growth. The toxic substance and anti-nutritional factors (ANFs) must be removed to unlock its dietary potential. This study attempted to reduce the ANFs and improve the nutritional quality ofJ. curcasusing autoclaving while the end product was used to replace soybean meal at 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% (TTR25, TTR50, TTR75 and TTR100 respectively) with the control (SBM) in prepared diets (40% CP) ofClarias gariepinusjuveniles (n = 150, average initial weight = 18.21g). The results showed that thermal treatment reduced significantly the phorbol ester and other ANFs contents inJ. curcasmeal. However, the changes in the proximate compositions save for lipid content were insignificant. Further results after 63 days feeding trial showed that fish fed 25% (TTR25)J. curcashad the best weight gain (111.99 ± 14.53), feed conversion ratio (1.11 ± 0.16), protein efficiency ratio (1.41 ± 0.22) and survival rate (86.67 ± 11.55). Similar results were obtained in haematology, serum biochemistry and protease activity analysis with TTR25 fish emerging with the best results. However, the amylase and lipase activity results revealed that TTR75 and SBM fish had the best activities respectively. However, the results were not significantly different from that of TTR25. It is therefore concluded thatJ. curcaskernel meal can be rid of toxic substances and anti-nutrients through autoclaving while 25% replacement of soybeans withJ. curcaskernel meal is recommended in the diet ofClarias gariepinusjuveniles.