Author : Oudom Phonekhampheng

Summary : The study on the use of glandless cottonseed as a component of feed for substitution part of protein of soybean and fish meal was studied in hybrid catfish (Clarias macrocephalus x C. gariepinus) with the average weight of 5.44 g. The proximate composition of glandless cottonseed meal use in the experiment diets were 38.25 percent protein, 3.76 percent fat, 7.02 percent fat and 31.74 percent carbohydrate. Fish were fed with formulated diets (isoprotein and isocalaric, 35 percent and 8,775 Kcal digestible energy/kg, respectively) and contained glandless cottonseed meal at the inclusion level of 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 percent. Apparent protein digestibility were studied by the chromic oxide indicator method by collection of feces from 30 fish/diet for 12 days. Average daily gain, specific growth rates and survival rate were determined every two weeks for the 10 weeks period. Daily feed allowances were adjusted biweekly at the feeding rate of 5 percent of fish body weight. The results showed that protein digestibility was 62.34 - 71-75 percent and decreased with increasing glandless cottonseed meal levels (P<0.01). Fish fed with high level of glandless cottonseed tend to have non significantly on growth rates and survival rates (P<0.05). The results of this study apparently show that 5-20 percent of glandless cottonseed can be used as an ingredient in hybrid catfish feed.