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Impact of Processing on Cassava Root Tuber and Use as a Replacer of Maize in the Diet of Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus

Obasa, S. O. * , Babalola, E. O., Akinde A. O., Idowu A. A., Ojelade, O.C., Nwekoyo V. E. and Oyetade Y. O.

Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Management, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria.

Malaysian J. Anim. Sci. 2021 24(2): 39-49

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This study was carried out to investigate the effects of processing methods on the nutritive quality of cassava root tuber and effects on the growth performance, nutrient utilization and nutrient digestibility in the diets of Oreochromis niloticus. Cassava tubers (IITA-TMS-I982132) were subjected to four different processing methods namely: sun-drying (SDC), soaking (SC), solidstate fermentation (SSF) and anaerobic fermentation (AFC). Five iso-nitrogenous (35% crude protein) diets were formulated in which maize was replaced at 50% level by each of the processed cassava root meals. Diet 1 (CTR), Diet 2 (SDC50), Diet 3 (SSF 50), Diet 4 (SC 50), and Diet 5 (AFC 50) were fed to 120 fingerlings (3.20?0.50g) ad libitum in three replicates. Ether extract (2.00?0.05) was significantly higher (p<0.05) in AFC, while cyanide content (3.02?0.03) was significantly higher (p<0.05) in SDC. Feed conversion ratio (1.49?0.20) in fish fed Diet AFC was significantly different (p<0.05) from the highest (1.61?0.02) in fish fed diet SC. Likewise, percentage weight gain (286.82?3.77%), protein efficiency ratio (1.94?0.24) and apparent net protein utilization (86.85?0.45) were significantly (p<0.05) better in fish fed AFC than other treatments. Protein digestibility was statistically higher in fish fed diet AFC50. The study concluded that processing had a significant impact on the nutritive value of cassava tuber while anaerobically fermented cassava root tuber (AFC) at 50% maize replacement among others exhibited better performance, feed utilization and digestibility in the diet of O. niloticus fingerlings.