The Effect of Replacing Maize with Whole Cassava Root Meal on the Nutrient Utilization of Hybrid Cat Fish

The effect of replacing maize (Zea mays L) with whole cassava root meal (Manihot esulata crantz) in the diet of hybrid catfish (Heterobranchus bidorsalis, Clarias gariepinus) on the nutrient utilization parameters namely feed conversion, ratio, Gross feed conversion and nitrogen metabolism protein intake and protein efficiency ratio of the fish were assessed. The result from the study indicated that the best Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) 1.1-10.04. Gross feed conversion efficiency GFE 68.95±314.12 g kg-1 were observed in the diet C66. However, the nutrient utilization variable varied significantly (p<0.05) within the treatment period. From the result obtained in this study, it could therefore be concluded that whole cassava root meal can replace maize in the diet of hybrid catfish without any negative effect on its ability to utilize nutrient needed for proper metabolism and growth.