Research Article | | Peer-Reviewed

Effect of Dietary Replacing Soybean Meal with Fluted Pumpkin Seed Meal in the Diets of African Catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822)

Received: 28 January 2025     Accepted: 18 February 2025     Published: 13 September 2025
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Abstract

Feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of fermented fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis seed meal in the diets of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings with respect to their growth performance, feed efficiency, haematological indices, proximate composition and cost benefit analysis and nutrient utilization. Five iso-nitrogenous experimental diets were formulated to contain 0%, 25%, 50%, and 75% and 100% of fermented Telfairia occidentalis seed meal and were designated as T1 (0% inclusion), T2 (25% inclusion), T3 (50% inclusion), T4 (75% inclusion) and T5 (100%) in a completely randomized design. Fifteen net hapa 1m×1m×1.2m were suspended in polythene- lined earthen pond (7m×5m×1m) with the aid of kuralon twine tied to iron pegs, the polythene lined earthen pond was filled to brim borehole water. Each treatment had three replicates with 15 fish were accommodated in each hapa (mean initial body weight (8.85±0.03 g) per fish. Water temperature and other water quality parameters were monitored daily. There were significant differences (P<0.05) in the final weight, weight gain, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency ratio, and condition factor between the treatment groups. The results show that final weight, weight gain, feed conversion ratio were highest in treatment T5 in fish fed 100% (204.40g) fermented fluted pumpkin seed meal, better growth and nutrient utilization was observed in fish fed 100% fermented fluted pumpkin seed meal. The haematological indices shows that fish fed 100% fermented fluted pumpkin seed meal had better haemoglobin (14.47g/dl), packed cell volume, red blood (4.13 million/m3) cell and white blood cell. There was significant difference (P<0.05) between the haemoglobin concentration of fish fed 100% and all the others treatment group. The crude protein in the fish indicates fish fed 100% fermented fluted pumpkin seed meal was significantly better (62.42) than the other treatment groups. The cost benefit also indicates positive return for fish fed 100% fermented fluted pumpkin seed meal. This result indicated, that inclusion of fermented Telfairia occidentalis seed meal at 100% in the diet of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings improves the nutritive value for fish, hence can serve as alternative ingredients and replacement of soybean in fish feed production.

Published in International Journal of Ecotoxicology and Ecobiology (Volume 10, Issue 3)
DOI 10.11648/j.ijee.20251003.14
Page(s) 61-70
Creative Commons

This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.

Copyright

Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Fluted Pumpkin Seed, Clarias gariepinus, Proximate Composition

1. Introduction
The expansion and intensification of aquaculture production has been recommended towards ensuring increase in fish production in order to meet up with the global demand since capture fisheries have continued to be on the decline over decades. Over the past decade aquaculture has grown in response to an increasing demand for fish as a source of protein globally . This is because production from captured fisheries has reached its possible maximum- potential, as the catch is dwindling with each passing days . The present requirement of fish puts our production at 1.1 million metric tonnes leaving a deficit of a little over 2 million metric tonnes . Therefore, there is the need for a viable alternative fish production that can sufficiently meet this demand, and aquaculture fits exactly into this role. As aquaculture production becomes more intensive in Nigeria, fish feed is a significant factor in increasing the productivity and profitability of aquaculture . The importance of fish feed cannot be over emphasized; it remains a basic need in aquaculture . The quality of the feed is of utmost important for increase in weight, length and nutrients parameters of the fish needed for the increasing population. Ochokwu reported that with expansion in aquaculture, there is a need to improve the quality and nutrient components of feeds consumed by the fish through sourcing for natural and available ingredients which will promote growth and hence nutrients absorption for fish wellbeing . One of the biggest targets of successful aquaculture is to attain highest growth by investing lowest inputs at lowest price However the need for excellent feed and high rate of fish consumption among the people as a cheap source of protein has necessitated the research. The research centered on improving the growth of the fish using available ingredients, including Telfairia occidentalis. Soybean (SBM) among all plant protein sources, represents the high protein content, most secured amino acid profile, stable source, and realistic cost Soybean meal is considered as the most nutritive plant ingredients widely used in fish, pig and poultry feed.
Many studies have shown considerable success in partially or total replacement of Soybean with other non-conventional feed ingredients.
Telfairia occidentalis (fluted pumpkin) seeds have high nutritive values such as protein, fats and oils, and minerals (Potassium, Iron) but their utilization could be affected by the presence of antinutritional factors such as lectins and trypsin inhibitor that are present in the seeds . Telfairia occidentalis is rich in bioflavonoid, an active chemical that stimulate growth in animal. Telfairia occidentalis has quite a number of antioxidants such as phenols. There is, therefore a high possibility that Telfairia occidentalis can promote fertility. Several researchers at different times have evaluated the importance of various parts of the plant. The seed of Telfairia Occidentalis which was locally available in Doma local villages was procured from a local market in Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, Nigeria. This study was therefore carried out to investigate the effects of the dietary supplementation of Telfairia occidentalis seed meal with soybean meal in diet of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings.
2. Materials and Methods
2.1. Ingredients and Diet Formulation
2.1.1. Soybean Meal
Soybean was obtained from Maiduguri Monday market, Borno State Nigeria, and was toasted using a frying pan and allow to cool before milling with the aid of a grinding machine. Toasting was done to remove the anti-nutritional factor present in the seed.
2.1.2. Fluted Pumpkin
The seed of Fluted pumpkin was procured from a local market in Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, The seeds of Fluted pumpkin seed were smashed using mortar and allowed to ferment for 3days in an air tight container (solid fermentation) using borehole water. The fermented seeds were dried before grinding to smooth powder using Panasonic kitchen blender. The processed seeds of Fluted pumpkin was analyzed for proximate composition.
2.1.3. Experimental Diets
Five isonitrogenous diets were formulated at 38% crude protein based on the nutritional requirements of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings, containing 25-100% fermented Fluted pumpkin seed meal at different levels of inclusion. The experimental feed were subject to proximate composition analysis before commencing the feeding trials according to the method of . The, moisture, crude protein crude fibre, lipid, ash content and nitrogen free extract of the feed were determined (Table 1).
Table 1. Composition of the Experimental Diets.

Ingredients

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%

Fish meal

40.40

40.40

40.40

40.40

40.40

Soybean meal

40.40

30.30

20.20

10.10

0.00

T. Occidentalis seed meal

0.00

10.10

20.20

30.30

40.40

Groundnut cake

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

Maize

13.20

13.20

13.20

13.20

13.20

Vegetable oil

0.50

0.50

0.50

0.50

0.50

Methionine

0.50

0.50

0.50

0.50

0.50

Lysine

0.50

0.50

0.50

0.50

0.50

Ascorbic acid

0.50

0.50

0.50

0.50

0.50

Vitamin premix

0.50

0.50

0.50

0.50

0.50

Di-calcium phosphate

0.30

0.30

0.30

0.30

0.30

Salt

0.20

0.20

0.20

0.20

0.20

Cassava starch

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

Total

100

100

100

100

100

Moisture

8.64

7.69

7.57

8.25

7.90

Crude protein

38.03

38.01

38.02

38.04

38.01

Crude fibre

4.04

4.01

4.03

4.02

3.99

Ether extract

8.25

7.30

8.10

8.12

8.10

Ash

11.71

11.65

10.55

10.75

11.51

NFE

29.33

31.34

31.78

30.82

30.49

2.1.4. Experimental System, Fish and Procedure
The experimental fish, pure- bred C. gariepinus fingerlings, with an initial mean weight of (8.85±.03 g) were purchased from reputable fish farm in Maiduguri Borno State Nigeria. The fish were transferred in a jerican from hatchery to the Department of Fisheries experimental fish farm, University of Maiduguri Nigeria where the feeding trial was conducted. Upon arrival they were acclimatized for three days and were fed commercial feed at 40% crude protein once a day before the experiment commenced. The fish were subsequently fed with 38% iso-nitrogenous diets and fermented Fluted pumpkin seed meal, designated as T1 (0% inclusion), T2 (25% inclusion), T3 (50% inclusion), T4 (75% inclusion) T5 and (100% inclusion) for 16 weeks. Fifteen net hapa (1×1×1.2m) were suspended in polythene- lined earthen pond with the aid of kuralon twine tied to iron pegs. The polythene- lined earthen pond was filled to the brim with borehole water. Fifteen (15) fish due to the size of the experimental hapa to avoid overstocking and were randomly allocated in each hapa and each of the five treatments has three hapas. The water quality parameters in the system were monitored weekly. The feed was manually administered and the fish were fed three times daily at 5% of body weight in a day (9am, 1pm and 5pm) for 16 weeks. Feeding rate was subsequently adjusted according to their growth rates per hapa. The fish were denied feed 24 h prior to sampling. The fish were weighed collectively every four (4) weekly intervals, their average weight and length were recorded and the daily amount of feed for each tank was readjusted accordingly. Some of the fish were killed after use experiment while some are kept for future use.
2.2. Determination of Growth Performance and Nutrient Utilization Parameters
During the experiment, growth performance were evaluated using the indices: weight gain, survival rate and condition factor with the following formulae.
i Weight gain (WG) = Final weight - Initial weight
ii Survival rate (SR) =Final number of fish Initial number of fish ×100
iii Condition factor (K)=Body weight Body lengh3 × 100
iv Specific growth rate (SGR) = 100 LL final weight – LL Initial weightT
Where LL = natural log of Initial and final weight, and T is number of experimental days.
v Net Protein Utilization (NPU) =  Protein gainedProtein consumed × 100
Where protein gained = protein content in the fish at stocking, and protein consume = is the protein content of the fish at the end of the feeding trial.
vi Feed conversion ratio (FCR) =Feed intakeweight gain
vii Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER) = weight gain Protein intake
2.3. Haematological Analysis
Blood samples were collected from three (3) C. gariepinus in each treatment at the termination of the study through caudal peduncle puncture as described by . A 2mml plastic syringe was used to draw the blood into EDTA bottle. The blood sample was transported in a cool pack to the haematology laboratory Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Maiduguri Borno State Nigeria for haematological analysis.
2.4. Cost Benefits Analysis
Cost benefit analysis for each treatment group at the end of the experimental period were estimated. Cost of feed and value of fish were estimated on the prevailing market price in Maiduguri, Borno State Nigeria.
The following parameters were calculated as described by Sogbesan, Aderolu and Abarike. [35, 5] and
i Incidence of cost (IC) = Cost of feed / Weight of fish produced.
ii Profit index (PI), was estimated using this formula.
PI=value of fish /cost of feed .
iii Net Profit (NP) = sales – expenditure
iv Total cost (TC) = fixed cost (FC) + total variable cost (TVC)
Where FC= cost of fingerlings, TVC = Cost of producing Different diets.
2.5. Data Analysis
The data obtained from the study were subjected to One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), to determine for significance difference of the mean values, Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) was used to separate the means at P< 0.05 with the aid of the statistix 10.0.
3. Results
3.1. Growth Performance and Nutrient Utilization of Clarias gariepinus Fingerling Fed Experimental Diets
Growth performance and nutrient utilization of Clarias gariepinus fed different level of fermented fluted pumpkin seed meal are presented in Table 2.
The final weight of the experimental fish were from 148..47 to 204.40g, the highest (204.40g) was recorded in fish fed with 100% fermented fluted pumpkin seed meal and least (148.47g) was recorded in fish fed with 50% fluted pumpkin seed meal, there was a significant difference (P< 0.05) between fish fed 100% fermented fluted pumpkin seed meal compare to all other treatment. However there was no significant difference (P>0.05) between fish fed 0% fermented fluted pumpkin seed meal and fish fed 25% fluted pumpkin seed meal diet.
Similarly the highest weight gain (195.53g) was recorded in fish fed 100% fermented fluted pumpkin seed meal while the lowest (139.59g) was recorded in fish fed 50% fluted pumpkin seed meal, there was significant difference ((P<0.05) in weight gain between fish fed 100% fermented fluted pumpkin seed meal compare to the rest treatment. However there was no significant different (P>0.05) between weight gain in control and fish fed 25% fermented fluted pumpkin seed meal.
Fish fed 100% fermented fluted pumpkin seed meal produce a better specific growth rate (0.91%/day) specific growth rate value (SGR) followed by 0.89 and 0.87%/day, for fish fed 75 and 25% fermented fluted pumpkin seed meal, the lowest (0.81%/day) was recorded in fish fed 50% fermented fluted pumpkin seed meal. There was significant (P< 0.05) difference between fish fed 100% fermented fluted pumpkin seed meal compare to fish fed 75 and 25% fermented fluted pumpkin seed meal. However there was no significant (P> 0.05) difference between fish fed 25% and 75% fermented fluted pumpkin seed meal.
The best feed conversion ratio (FCR) was observed in fish fed 100% (1.36) fermented fluted pumpkin seed meal while the poorest (1.94) was recorded in fish fed 50% fermented fluted pumpkin seed meal. All the treatment groups significantly (P<0.05) differs from each other.
Protein efficiency ratio (PER) ranges from 3.67 to 5.14. The highest PER value were observe in fish fed 100% fermented fluted pumpkin seed meal (5.14) while he lowest (3.67) was observe in fish fed 50% fermented fluted pumpkin seed meal. There was significant difference (P<0.05) in PER among the treatment groups. However there is no significant variation (P>0.05) between fish fed 0 and 25% fluted pumpkin seed meal.
Table 2. Growth Performance and Nutrient Utilization of Clarias gariepinus Fingerling Fed Experimental Diets.

Parameters

Fermented Fluted Pumpkin Seed Meal Treatment/ Replacement Level (%)

0

25

50

75

100

SEM

FI (g)

260.33d

280.00a

271.00b

263.00d

265.00c

1.21*

IW (g)

8.89

8.86

8.88

8.87

8.85

0.15ns

FW (g)

170.30c

175.63c

148.47d

190.40b

204.40a

3.11*

WG (g)

162.30c

166.77c

139.59d

181.50b

195.53a

3.11*

SGR (g)

0.86c

0.87b

0.81d

0.89b

0.91a

0.01*

FCR

1.59c

1.68b

1.94a

1.45d

1.36e

0.21*

PER

4.27c

4.39c

3.67d

4.77b

5.14a

0.82*

K

0.75ab

0.74ab

0.80a

0.81a

0.68b

0.04*

NPU

86.53b

93.67a

85.37b

80.13c

75.1d

0.63*

SR (%)

71.13

64.43

70.80

68.90

73.33

7.43ns

Means across the same row bearing different superscripts differs significantly (P<0.05)
Key: ns= not significant
IW = initial weight, FW = final weight, WG = weight gain, FI = feed intake, SGR = specific growth rate, FCR = feed conversion ratio, PER = protein efficiency ratio, K = condition factor, SR = survival rate, NPU = net protein utilization.
3.2. Heamatological Indices of Clarias gariepnus Fed Expermental Diet
The haematological indices of Clarias gariepinus fed experimental diet are presented in Table 3.
Table 3. Heamatological indices of Clarias gariepnus Fed Expermental diet.

Parameters

Fermented Fluted Pumpkin Seed Meal Treatment/ Replacement Level (%)

0

25

50

75

100

SEM

PCV (%)

34.67

33.33

33.00

34.3

35.33

1.18ns

RBC (× 106/mm3)

3.27bc

3.08c

3.30b

3.17bc

4.13a

0.08*

WBC (× 106/mm3)

4.38a

4.27a

3.85b

3.95b

4.29a

0.12*

Hb (g/dl)

12.27b

12.90b

13.47ab

13.33ab

14.47a

0.56*

MCV (fl)

10.61a

10.80a

10.00a

10.86a

8.55b

0.42*

MCH (pg)

37.84ab

41.81a

40.81a

42.18a

34.13b

2.06*

MCHC (%)

35.49b

38.74ab

40.80a

38.85ab

40.12a

1.56*

Means across the same row bearing different superscripts differs significantly (p<0.05)
Key: ns= not significant
PCV=Packed Cell Volume, RBC=Red Blood Cell, WBC=White Blood Cell, Hb=Haemoglobin, MCV= Mean Corpuscular Volume, MCH= Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin, MCHC= Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration
Haematological indices of C. gariepinus fingerlings fed varying levels of fermented fluted pumpkin seed meal are presented in Table 4. Packed cell volume value obtained ranged from 33.00 to 35.33%, all the treatment group was not affect (P>0.05) by the test materials.
Red blood cell (RBC) value of fish fed varying level of fermented fluted pumpkin seed meal ranges from 3.08 to 4.13 million/m3. The highest (4.13 million/m3) was observed in fish fed 100% fermented fluted pumpkin seed meal while the lower is recorded in fish fed 0, 25, and 75%. There was significance (P<0.05) difference between fish fed 100% and fish fed 500%. However there was no significant (P>0.05) difference between fish fed 0, 25 and 75%.
White blood cell (WBC) value of fish fed fermented fluted pumpkin seed meal ranged from 3.85 to 4.29 million/m3 the higher recorded was obtained in fish fed 0, 25 and 100% fermented fluted pumpkin seed meal, there was significant (P<0.05) difference between fish fed 50 and 75% compared to fish fed 100%, 25% and 0% fermented fluted pumpkin seed meal. However there was no significant (P<0.05) difference between fish fed 0, 25 and 100% fermented fluted pumpkin seed meal.
Haemoglobin concentration (Hb) was highest (14.47g/dl) in fish fed 100% fermented fluted pumpkin seed meal while the lower (12.27 and 12.90g/dl) was recorded for fish fed 0 and 25% fermented fluted pumpkin seed meal. There was significant (P<0.05) difference between fish fed 100% fermented fluted pumpkin seed meal compare to those fed 0 and 25% fermented fluted pumpkin seed meal but similar to those fed 50 and 75% fermented fluted pumpkin seed meal.
3.3. Carcass Composition
Fish carcass proximate compositions analyzed before and after feeding with the experimental diets are presented in Table 4.
3.4. Proximate Composition of Clarias gariepinus Fed Fermented Fluted Pumpkin Seed Meal
The proximate composition of the initial and final carcass quality of the experimental Clarias gariepinus fluted pumpkin seed meal fed are presented in Table 4. The moisture content ranges from 6.59 to 11.91%. The highest (11.91%) moisture content was recorded in fish fed 25% fermented fluted pumpkin seed meal while the lowest (6.59%) moisture content was recorded in fish fed 100% fermented fluted pumpkin seed meal. There was a significant (P<0.05) difference between fish fed 25% fermented fluted pumpkin seed meal compared to other treatment groups. However fish fed 0 and 50% did not affected (P > 0.05) by the test material.
The initial crude protein (CP) experimental fingerling obtained was (46.65%). Ether extract (8.95%) moisture content (16.73%) crude fibre (0.17%) and ash (6.29%). The proximate composition of the carcass of Clarias gariepinus fed fermented fluted pumpkin seed meal ranged from 47.99 to 62.42%. The highest (62.42 and 58.74%) CP was obtained in fish fed 100 and 75% fermented fluted pumpkin seed meal. The lowest was obtained in fish fed the 25% (47.99%) fermented fluted pumpkin seed meal.
Table 4. Proximate Composition of Clarias gariepinus Fed fermented Fluted Pumpkin Seed Meal.

Nutrients (%)

Fermented Fluted Pumpkin Seed Meal Treatment / Replacement Level (%)

Initial

0

25

50

75

100

SEM

Moisture

16.73

8.11c

11.91a

7.51c

8.74b

6.59d

0.28*

Crude protein

46.65

54.56ab

47.99b

55.40ab

58.74a

62.42a

9.49*

Lipid

8.95

12.52b

12.69b

12.35b

12.19b

14.35a

0.49*

Ash

6.27

12.37b

14.92a

10.92c

9.73d

8.24e

0.58*

NFE

21.4

12.44b

12.49bb

13.54a

10.60c

8.40d

0.66*

Means across the same row bearing different superscripts differs significantly (p<0.05)
Key: NFE = Nitrogen free extract
3.5. Cost-benefit Indices of Clarias gariepinus Fed Fermented Fluted Pumpkin Seed Meal
The cost benefit indices of Clarias gariepinus fed fermented fluted pumpkin seed meal are presented in Table 4. The cost of producing different feed was highest in fish fed 0% fermented fluted pumpkin seed meal (₦1700), while the least was recorded in fish fed 100% fluted pumpkin seed meal (₦1300). There was significant (P< 0.05) difference in all the treatment groups. Total expenditure obtained in this study was highest (₦5360) in fish fed 0% fermented fluted pumpkin seed meal and the least (₦4965) expenditure was recorded in fish fed 100% fluted pumpkin seed meal. There was significant (P< 0.05) variation among all the treatment groups.
Net profit (NP) revealed highest value (₦2535) in fish fed 100% fermented fluted pumpkin seed meal and lowest (₦2140) in fish fed 0% fermented fluted pumpkin seed meal. There was significant (P<0.05) difference in all the treatment groups.
Incidence cost (IC) recorded higher value (10.47 and 10.75) in fish fed 0 and 50% fermented fluted pumpkin seed meal and the lowest was recorded in fish fed 100% (6.65) respectively. There was significant (P<0.05) difference in all the treatment groups. However there was no significant (P> 0.05) between fish fed 0 and 50% fermented fluted pumpkin seed meal.
Profit index (PI) revealed highest value (5.80) in fish fed 100% fermented fluted pumpkin seed meal and the lower value (4.43, 4.70, and 5.00,) in treatment fed with 0, 25 and 50% fermented fluted pumpkin seed meal. There was significant (P<0.05) difference between fish fed 100% fermented fluted pumpkin seed meal and fish fed 0, 25 and 50% fermented fluted pumpkin seed meal but similar to fish fed 75% fermented fluted pumpkin seed meal.
Total cost recorded highest in fish fed 0 and 100% fermented fluted pumpkin seed meal, there was significant difference between fish fed 0 and 100% fermented fluted pumpkin seed meal but similar to fish fed 25 and 50% fermented fluted pumpkin seed meal.
Table 5. Cost and benefit analysis of Clarias gariepinus fed experimental diet.

Parameters

Fermented Fluted pumpkin seed meal Treatment / Replacement level

0

25

50

75

100

SEM

Weight gain (g)

162.30c

166.77c

139.59d

181.50b

195.53a

3.11*

Cost of feed (₦)

1700.0a

1600.0ab

1500.0bc

1400.0cd

1300.0d

75.28*

Cost of fish (₦)

1350

1350

1350

1350

1350

Cost of feeding (₦)

810

830

820

813

815

Fueling/water cost (₦)

1500

1500

1500

1500

1500

Expenditure

5360a

5280ab

5170bc

5063cd

4965d

75.28*

Unit price of fish (₦)

500

500

500

500

500

Value of fish (₦)

7500

7500

7500

7500

7500

Net profit

2140d

2220cd

2330bc

2437ab

2535a

75.27*

Incidence cost

10.47a

9.59b

10.75a

7.72c

6.65d

0.39*

Profit index

4.43c

4.70c

5.00bc

5.40ab

5.80a

0.26*

Total cost

3050a

2956.7ab

2850ab

2321.0b

2650a

310.35*

Means across the same row bearing different superscripts differs significantly (p<0.05)
4. Discussion
The study shows increase in growth with increasing supplementation of fluted pumpkin seed meal. Clarias gariepinus fed varying inclusion levels of fluted pumpkin seed meal feed showed a positive response to the feed. Fish fed 100% fermented fluted pumpkin seed meal had the best weight gain (195.5). The higher growth performance observed in the group containing 100% fermented fluted pumpkin seed meal might be due to presence of essential and non-essential amino acids in the seed which synthesis protein for growth. The increasing growth performance could be due to high mineral concentrations present in the fluted pumpkin seed . Lower feed conversion ratio (FCR) was recorded for this study (1.35) in fish fed 100% fermented fluted pumpkin seed meal, lower FCR is an indicator of feed well utilized . The results indicate that the feed had better influence on the fish.
Protein efficiency ratio (PER) value was similar to the value (5.30) reported by for Clarias gariepinus fed sweet potato peel. However lower value (0.14) was reported by Abdulmalik for Oreochromis niloticus fed fermented tarmarid .
The ability of an organism to utilize nutrients especially protein will positively influence its growth performance . This is justified by the best Mean weight gain, Feed conversion ratio, Protein efficiency ratio and Specific growth rate as observed in Fish fed 100% fermented fluted pumpkin seed meal. The packed cell volume (PCV) values ranged from (33.0% to 35.33%) for this study, PCV recommended value ranged from between 20% to 35%, the variation in PCV value may be associated with increase in red blood cell . The result of this study was similar to the value (33.16%) recorded by for H. bidorsalis. However the value was higher than the value (21.58% and 9.41%) recorded by for H. longiflis.
The red blood cell (RBC) value recorded in this study ranged from (3.08 ×106/mm3 to 4.13 ×106/mm3), RBC value greater than 1 ×106/mm3 is considered high and indication of high oxygen carrying capacity of the blood This result was higher than the value (2.57 ×106/mm3) reported by Umate for Clarias gariepinus fed roselle seed as substitute for soybean However, Onyia reported higher value (30.3 ×106/mm3 and 31.2×106/mm3) as RBC of H. bidorsalis male and female respectively
White blood cell (WBC) recorded in this study ranged from (3.85 ×106/mm3 to 4.38 ×106/mm3). The highest value (4.38 ×106/mm3) in fish fed 0% fermented fluted pumpkin seed meal. RBC are known in the role of immune system and response of living organism. The Low WBC in this study could be attributed to a reduction in the number of lymphocyte and which may be due to pollutant. The value recorded in ds study was, lower than the value (12.53 ×106/mm3 for) reported by Adesina for C. gariepinus juvenile fed 80% Helianthus annus seed meal
Haemoglobin (Hb) concentration of Clarias gariepinus fed fermented fluted pumpkin seed meal obtained in this study ranged from (12.27g/dl to 14.47g/dl), this value recorded are within the optimal range for a healthy fish . The value for this study are quite high and can be associated to anaerobic process of Clarias gariepinus and the air breathing activities of the fish. The value recorded for this study was similar to the value (12.70 g/dl) Reported by . However Saviour reported lower (8.8) Hb values for Oreochromis niloticus fed dietary delonix regia [33]. The value The mean corpuscular volume (MCV) recorded (10.86fl) are lower than (155.43fl) reported by . However Oghenefejiro, recorded a lower value (2.35fl) than this report.
The mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentraton are similar to the value (33.60) reported . However Adi reported lower value . The variation in the haematological values may be due to the nutritional composition of the diet.
The carcass crude protein in this study increases significantly with increase in fermented fluted pumpkin seed meal. The mean initial crude protein (46.65%) was lower than the value obtained after feeding. The high value obtained for the carcass in this experiment indicates that fish fed 100% fermented fluted pumpkin seed meal has significantly different from other supplementation level, and it indicates that fermented fluted pumpkin seed meal can completely replace soybean in the diet of Clarias gariepinus. This indicate that fermented fluted pumpkin seed meal contains the essential nutrient that are absorbed in fish feed.
The carcass crude protein for this study (62.06) is similar to the value (64.00) reported by Adi for Hetroclaria fed fluted pumpkin seed cake . Lower value (43.87) were reported . However higher value (65.29) were reported by . The increase in the crude protein of the fish carcass showed that all the fish were able to utilize protein in the feed efficiently. This indicates reasonable protein accumulation due to optimal protein utilization for growth indicating that the nutrient in fish fed 100% fermented fluted pumpkin seed meal was well utilized.
Fish fed with 100% fermented fluted pumpkin seed inclusion level shows higher lipid concentration than other treatment, this indicates that fermented fluted pumpkin seed has the ability to prevent certain liver disease associated with fatty acid . The higher lipid concentration is reported to be antioxidant and anticancer . The ash content, crude fibre moisture content and nitrogen free extract for the carcass in this study shows lower concentration for fish fed 100% fermented fluted pumpkin seed meal, showing that nutrient are efficiently used.
The cost benefits indicates positive returns for all the treatment groups with increasing returns as the inclusion level increase. The best return was recorded in fish fed 100% fermented fluted pumpkin seed meal. Similarly most nonconventional feed ingredient have been reported to increase profit index . The best profit index (5.7) was recorded n fish fed 100% fermented fluted pumpkin seed meal. Abdurrazzaq reported profit index 5.6 for Clarias gariepinus fed sweet potato peel . However Adewole reported higher profit index (6.28) after replacing Soybean meal with H. sabdariffa meal at 1.30 g/100g in the diet of C. gariepinus The reduction in the value of Cost of feed used in the 100% inclusion level diets compared with the control is an indication of a cheaper and cost-effective conventional feed ingredient called fermented fluted pumpkin seed meal as an ingredient in fish feed formulation. This is in line with the work of Sogbesan who worked on the cost effectiveness of fermented groundnut shell as supplementary feed in the diets of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings .
5. Conclusion and Recommendation
Fermented fluted pumpkin seed meal at 100% inclusion level can be used as replacement for soybean in the diet of Clarias gariepinus without any detrimental effect.
For optimum growth of Clarias gariepinus, 100% replacement of fermented fluted pumpkin seed meal is recommended.
Abbreviations

T. Occidentalis

Telfairia occidentalis

SBM

Soybean

C. gariepinus

Clarias gariepinus

FI

Feed Intake

IW

Initial Weight

FW

Final Weight

WG

Weight Gain

SGR

Specific Growth Rate

FCR

Feed Conversion Ratio

PER

Protein Efficiency Ratio

K

Condition Factor

NPU

Net Protein Utilization

SR

Survival Rate

EDTA

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid

PCV

Packed Cell Volume

PI

Profit Index

Author Contributions
Ogo Mercy Princess: Data curation, Formal Analysis, Funding acquisition, Methodology, Project administration, Resources, Writing – original draft
Mohammed Zakariya Hassan: Investigation, Methodology, Supervision
Bello Muinat Moninuola: Methodology, Supervision, Validation
Wanas Lalai Ndirmbita: Investigation, Methodology, Supervision, Writing – review & editing
Funding
This research receive no funding.
Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
References
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Cite This Article
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    Princess, O. M., Hassan, M. Z., Moninuola, B. M., Ndirmbita, W. L. (2025). Effect of Dietary Replacing Soybean Meal with Fluted Pumpkin Seed Meal in the Diets of African Catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822). International Journal of Ecotoxicology and Ecobiology, 10(3), 61-70. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijee.20251003.14

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    Princess, O. M.; Hassan, M. Z.; Moninuola, B. M.; Ndirmbita, W. L. Effect of Dietary Replacing Soybean Meal with Fluted Pumpkin Seed Meal in the Diets of African Catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822). Int. J. Ecotoxicol. Ecobiol. 2025, 10(3), 61-70. doi: 10.11648/j.ijee.20251003.14

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    AMA Style

    Princess OM, Hassan MZ, Moninuola BM, Ndirmbita WL. Effect of Dietary Replacing Soybean Meal with Fluted Pumpkin Seed Meal in the Diets of African Catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822). Int J Ecotoxicol Ecobiol. 2025;10(3):61-70. doi: 10.11648/j.ijee.20251003.14

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  • @article{10.11648/j.ijee.20251003.14,
      author = {Ogo Mercy Princess and Mohammed Zakariya Hassan and Bello Muinat Moninuola and Wanas Lalai Ndirmbita},
      title = {Effect of Dietary Replacing Soybean Meal with Fluted Pumpkin Seed Meal in the Diets of African Catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822)
    },
      journal = {International Journal of Ecotoxicology and Ecobiology},
      volume = {10},
      number = {3},
      pages = {61-70},
      doi = {10.11648/j.ijee.20251003.14},
      url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijee.20251003.14},
      eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijee.20251003.14},
      abstract = {Feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of fermented fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis seed meal in the diets of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings with respect to their growth performance, feed efficiency, haematological indices, proximate composition and cost benefit analysis and nutrient utilization. Five iso-nitrogenous experimental diets were formulated to contain 0%, 25%, 50%, and 75% and 100% of fermented Telfairia occidentalis seed meal and were designated as T1 (0% inclusion), T2 (25% inclusion), T3 (50% inclusion), T4 (75% inclusion) and T5 (100%) in a completely randomized design. Fifteen net hapa 1m×1m×1.2m were suspended in polythene- lined earthen pond (7m×5m×1m) with the aid of kuralon twine tied to iron pegs, the polythene lined earthen pond was filled to brim borehole water. Each treatment had three replicates with 15 fish were accommodated in each hapa (mean initial body weight (8.85±0.03 g) per fish. Water temperature and other water quality parameters were monitored daily. There were significant differences (P3) cell and white blood cell. There was significant difference (PTelfairia occidentalis seed meal at 100% in the diet of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings improves the nutritive value for fish, hence can serve as alternative ingredients and replacement of soybean in fish feed production.
    },
     year = {2025}
    }
    

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  • TY  - JOUR
    T1  - Effect of Dietary Replacing Soybean Meal with Fluted Pumpkin Seed Meal in the Diets of African Catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822)
    
    AU  - Ogo Mercy Princess
    AU  - Mohammed Zakariya Hassan
    AU  - Bello Muinat Moninuola
    AU  - Wanas Lalai Ndirmbita
    Y1  - 2025/09/13
    PY  - 2025
    N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijee.20251003.14
    DO  - 10.11648/j.ijee.20251003.14
    T2  - International Journal of Ecotoxicology and Ecobiology
    JF  - International Journal of Ecotoxicology and Ecobiology
    JO  - International Journal of Ecotoxicology and Ecobiology
    SP  - 61
    EP  - 70
    PB  - Science Publishing Group
    SN  - 2575-1735
    UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijee.20251003.14
    AB  - Feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of fermented fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis seed meal in the diets of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings with respect to their growth performance, feed efficiency, haematological indices, proximate composition and cost benefit analysis and nutrient utilization. Five iso-nitrogenous experimental diets were formulated to contain 0%, 25%, 50%, and 75% and 100% of fermented Telfairia occidentalis seed meal and were designated as T1 (0% inclusion), T2 (25% inclusion), T3 (50% inclusion), T4 (75% inclusion) and T5 (100%) in a completely randomized design. Fifteen net hapa 1m×1m×1.2m were suspended in polythene- lined earthen pond (7m×5m×1m) with the aid of kuralon twine tied to iron pegs, the polythene lined earthen pond was filled to brim borehole water. Each treatment had three replicates with 15 fish were accommodated in each hapa (mean initial body weight (8.85±0.03 g) per fish. Water temperature and other water quality parameters were monitored daily. There were significant differences (P3) cell and white blood cell. There was significant difference (PTelfairia occidentalis seed meal at 100% in the diet of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings improves the nutritive value for fish, hence can serve as alternative ingredients and replacement of soybean in fish feed production.
    
    VL  - 10
    IS  - 3
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  • Abstract
  • Keywords
  • Document Sections

    1. 1. Introduction
    2. 2. Materials and Methods
    3. 3. Results
    4. 4. Discussion
    5. 5. Conclusion and Recommendation
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  • Abbreviations
  • Author Contributions
  • Funding
  • Conflicts of Interest
  • References
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