Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the changes in hematological and biochemical parameters in albino Clarias gariepinus fed with fermented locust beans (Parkia biglobosa) seed. Albino Clarias gariepinusof mean weight of 1.01± 0.00 g and length of 1.00± 0.0 cm was used for the study. Four treatments of three replications were used in 12 experimental tanks stocking 20 fingerlings each. Four isonitrogenous diets containing varying replacement level of locust bean meal (FLBM) designated 0% FLBM, 25% FLBM, 50% FLBM and 75% FLBM, diets 1 to 4, respectively. The results obtained indicated significant differences (p<0.05) for the biochemical and hematological parameters examined. Diet with 75% FLBM gave appreciable levels of biochemical and hematological parameters which was closely followed by diet 1 (contain high fish meal as protein source); which were significantly different (p<0.05) to other diet without FLBM inclusion. The present study showed that, fermented Parkia biglobosa meal could serve as a source protein in constituting fish meal diet for Albino Clarias gariepinus fingerlings without any adverse effect. However, limited growth observed in this study could be attributed to complete absence of soya beans in the diets.