Zootechnical performance, haematological profile, and economic analysis of Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) fed with Velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens) seed meal as a substitute for soybean (Glycine max) seed meal

The velvet bean ( Mucuna pruriens ) is an important source of protein in animal feed. This study investigates the potential substitution of soybean ( Glycine max ) seed meal with Velvet bean ( Mucuna pruriens ) seed meal in the diet of Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) by analysing zootechnical performance, haematological profile, and economic profitability. Three hundred Clarias gariepinus fingerlings (7.78 ± 0.12 g) were randomly allocated to five different treatments: DCCF0 (control group, which is imported feed (Gouessant ® ), DSSM20 (20% soybean seed meal), DMSM20 (20% Mucuna seed meal), DSSM40 (40% soybean seed meal), and DMSM40 (40% Mucuna seed meal). Each treatment was replicated three times in separate 40-liter tanks, resulting in a total of 15 tanks, each containing 20 fingerlings. The fingerlings were fed to apparent satiety three times daily for 6 weeks around (45 days). The average temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen parameters, were monitored three times daily and values were within acceptable ranges for the growth of Clarias gariepinus throughout the experimental period. Results showed significant differences ( P < 0.05) in all parameters, which are the survival rate (SR) ranging from 83.33% for DMSM40 to 100.00% for DCCF0 ( P < 0.05), the specific growth rate (SGR), ranging from 4.08%/day to 5.13%/day ( P < 0.05), the Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR), varied from 2.57 (DMSM40) to 1.07 (DCCF0) ( P < 0.05). Treatments containing 20% and 40% soybean meal, as well as 20% Mucuna pruriens seed meal, exhibited favourable results based on both economic and haematological analyses.