The effects of sweetheart plant (Desmodium adscendens) leaf powder on the reproductive indices of Clarias gariepinus was investigated in this study. 30 Male C. gariepinus (mean weight 325.7 ±7.50g) and 30 female C. gariepinus (mean weight 330.97 ± 2.31g) were used for the experiment. Five diets with a crude protein of 40% were formulated with inclusion level of 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0g of Desmodium adscendens leaf powder per 100g of basal feed designated as D1, D2, D3, D4, and D5 respectively. The fish were stocked in 20 concrete tanks (2m × 2m × 1.5m) at 3 fish/tank and water level maintained at 1m throughout. Male and female fish were stocked separately. The fish were fed at 3% body weight twice between 0800 and 1700 hours daily for 56 days. Male C. gariepinus broodstock fed 1.5 g of Desmodium adscendens leaf powder per 100g of basal feed had significantly higher (P<0.05) sperm counts, percentage motility and milt volume. There was a significant difference (P<0.05) in the weight of ovaries of female fish. The inclusion level of 1.5g and 2.0g of D. adscendens powder in 100g of basal feed improved the pro-fertility of male and female brood stock respectively.

The experiment was conducted to assess the effects Hibiscus rosa-sinensis leaf as a binder in fish feed. Six iso-nitrogenous diets containing 35% crude protein was formulated and pelleted. There were significant differences (P<0.05) in the thickness strength (mm), hardness (mm) and water stability (%) of the diets. Diet MWH had the highest water stability (89.26±0.12%) and the lowest was diet MAH (83.53±0.05). diet MAH had the highest water absorption index of 1.70±0.00 and the lowest was diet MWH with 0.74±0.01. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in the sinking rate (cmsec-1), and bulk density (gcm-3) of diets. Protein retention ranged from 91.07 % (WHH) to 95.83 % (MAI), lipid retention was between 90.87% in MWH and 94.74 %. Friability was highest in diet MWH (0.88±0.00 %) and the least was MAI (0.68±0.00 %). There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in the FCR, FER, mean feed intake and percentage survival of fish fed experimental diets. There were significant differences (P>0.05) in the crude protein, fat, and ash contents of experimental fish after the feeding trial. Fish fed diet WHH had the highest whole body crude protein content (50.98±0.06) and the least fat content (16.75±0.51). The result shows that H. rosa-sinensis leaf can be used as binders. Keywords: Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, Binder, physical properties, growth parameters

Abstract. This study was carried out to evaluate the physical properties and dietary value of feeds made using Corchorus olitorius as binders in fish feeds. Six isonitrogenous diets were prepared using maize wheat or maize and wheat as energy source. The diets were designated as MAI, WHC, MAW, MAC, WHC and MWC. With the first three being bounded with corn starch and the last three being bounded with C. olitorius leaves soaked for 24 hours and pelleted. Physical properties evaluated are sinking rate, water absorption index, water stability, bulk density, thickness strength, friability and hardness. There was significant differences (p<0.05) in the water stability, water absorption index and thickness swelling of the diet. The highest water stability value was recorded in diet MAW. For growth parameters and nutrient utilization by fish fed experimental diets, diet MWC had a significantly higher mean final weight (9.42±0.41g), mean weight gain (5.43±0.41g), feed efficiency ratio (0.93±0.13) and specific growth rate (1.22±0.06%d-1). There was no significant difference in the feed conversion ratio, mean feed intake, and survival rate. The result shows that diet bounded with C. olitorius leaf had better utilization compared to corn starch bounded feed.