Evaluation of various leguminous seeds as protein sources for milkfish, Chanos chanos Forsskal, juveniles

Abstract

The nutritive value of four leguminous plant seeds: pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan), mungo (Phaseolus radiatus), kidneybean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and soybean (Glycine max), were evaluated as protein sources for milkfish (Chanos chanos) juveniles in isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets containing 40% protein. The legumes were heat-treated and added at different levels so that their protein contributed 25% of total dietary protein; peruvian fishmeal supplied the remaining portion. A diet with all protein contributed by fishmeal was used as a control. Substitution of 25% of the total 40% animal protein in the control diet by mungo and soybean meal did not adversely affect (P > 0.05) fish growth and the efficiency of feed conversion. Diets with 25% of protein contributed by pigeonpea and kidneybean meal resulted in significantly depressed (P ≤ 0.05) growth and efficiency of feed conversion. Milkfish survival rate was more than 97% throughout the six-week experimental period. We conclude that mungo and soybean meal, contributing at least 25% of dietary protein, can be used to replace fishmeal to reduce the cost of feed without adverse effect on the growth, survival and efficiency of feed conversion of juvenile milkfish.