Comparative Effects of Plant-Based and Synthetic Premixes on Nutrient Digestibility and Whole-Body Composition in Clarias gariepinus Fingerlings

OJE, Emmanuel Oluwamuyiwa; Kang&#039;ombe, Jeremiah; Jere, Wilson

doi:10.21608/ejabf.2025.401444.6166

Comparative Effects of Plant-Based and Synthetic Premixes on Nutrient Digestibility and Whole-Body Composition in Clarias gariepinus Fingerlings

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Science, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Malawi

² Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Science, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Bunda College Campus, P.O. Box 219, Lilongwe, Malawi.

³ Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Science, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, African centre of Excellence (Aquafish)

10.21608/ejabf.2025.401444.6166

Abstract

This study addressed the challenge of reducing dependence on imported synthetic vitamin–mineral premixes (SVMP) in aquaculture by evaluating baobab (Adansonia digitata) and tamarind (Tamarindus indica) pulp powders as plant-based alternatives. While previous work has reported their effects on growth performance in Clarias gariepinus, little is known about their influence on nutrient digestibility and whole-body composition. Five isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets were prepared: a control diet with 3% SVMP and four test diets with baobab or tamarind pulp powders incorporated at 5 and 7% (BPPVM and TPPVM). A total of 300 fingerlings (initial weight 5.54 g) were reared in triplicate groups and fed to satiation. Digestibility was determined using chromic oxide as an inert marker. Apparent digestibility coefficients (ADCs) for protein, lipid, dry matter, energy, ash, and fiber varied significantly across diets (P< 0.001). BPPVM diets achieved protein digestibility values (91.4–91.5%) comparable to the control, while TPPVM diets, particularly at 7%, showed reduced digestibility (protein ADC 73.6%). Whole-body composition patterns reflected these results: fish fed BPPVM diets had crude protein (62.4–62.9%) and lipid (7.35–7.42%) levels similar to the control, whereas TPPVM-fed fish recorded lower values. Result from a 90-day trial, growth performance and feed conversion ratio (FCR) supported these findings: BPPVM diets sustained growth and FCR comparable to the synthetic premix, while TPPVM groups showed reduced growth efficiency. These results indicate that baobab pulp powder is a viable alternative to synthetic premixes, while tamarind pulp requires further processing to reduce the impact of anti-nutritional factors. Future studies should explore mechanisms underlying nutrient–anti-nutrient interactions and assess micronutrient bioavailability over extended culture periods.

Keywords