Abstract

Growth performance of Clarias gariepinus) Juveniles fed raw and toasted Sesame (Sesamum radiatum Linn.) seeds meal at varying dietary protein levels was investigated. The Proximate analyses of both raw and toasted Sesame seed were determined using standard procedures of AOAC. The determined parameters were analysed statistically using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The means of results were compared for significant difference at (p<0.05). The result indicated that the raw and toasted Sesame seed had mean value of 20.70 and 25.20% crude protein, 6.00 and 10.90% crude fibre, 5.35 and 4.80% Ash, 11.80 and 8.10% carbohydrate, 2.15 and 1.50% moisture content, respectively. The result indicated that fish fed with the 35% toasted diet ( Diet E) had the best growth performance, with a Mean Body Weight Gain of 3.125 g, Mean Standard Length (1.212), SGR (0.00224), FE (0.00830), NPU (40.361), PER (0.186), GFCE (69.797), and Survival Rate of 98.000%. The crude protein content of the carcass fish was significantly high (p< 0.05) in diet E. Sesame seeds have been found to be a good alternative source of protein in fish feed formulations, especially when toasted and added at the 35% crude protein levels for Clarias gariepinus.