EVALUATION OF A PLANT-BASED PROTEIN Moringa oleifera IN FORMULATED DIETS OF JUVENILE CHANNEL CATFISH

High costs of traditional protein sources in feed limits the production of healthy proteins from farm raised fishes for both developing countries and the domestic industry. Moringa (Moringa oleifera) is a promising plant-based protein source due its nutritional profile, low cost, and ability to thrive in adverse growing conditions. Although previous investigations using M. oleifera as a source of protein in feed has been performed for several finfish species, studies have assessed its promise for channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), even though this species represents 50% of total U.S. aquaculture production in terms of metric tonnage. In the present study, growth rates and fatty acid profiles of juvenile channel catfish raised on diets with and without M. oleifera were compared to determine the suitability of M. oleifera as an alternative protein source in fish feed for this species.

A 56-day feeding trial was conducted in two dedicated recirculating systems (1438 L per) with juvenile channel catfish (mean individual weight = 3.41 g). 80 fish were randomly selected and divided into groups of 10 and stocked into eight 227-L round tanks (four replicates per system). Water was recirculated through biological and mechanical filters. Water temperature was maintained at 26-30°C and lighting was provided by overhead fluorescent lighting on a 12:12 hour light:dark cycle.  Ammonia, nitrite, and dissolved oxygen were measured once per week, with temperature and pH monitored daily.

Final weight and percent weight gain were higher in fish fed the basal diet as compared to the moringa diet. Fatty acid profiles of fish fed each diet were relatively similar, indicating that lipids in the moringa diet were not a limiting factor in biomass generation of moringa fed fish. However, fatty acid levels in fish fed the moringa diet were on average lower than those fed the basal diet, with some exception.