


































Food Science and Nutrition Studies 

ISSN 2573-1661 (Print) ISSN 2573-167X (Online) 

Vol. 3, No. 4, 2019 

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160 
 

Original Paper 

Some Physiological Responses of Clarias gariepinus Fed 

Graded Levels of Cirina forda Larvae Based Diets 

Adewumi, A.A.1*, Idowu, E.O.1, Edward, J.B.1, Iwalaye, O.A.1, Fadiya, O.O.2 & Obafemi, B.D.2 

1 Department of Zoology and Environ. Biology, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria 

2 Department of Zoology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria 

* Adewumi A.A., Department of Zoology and Environ. Biology, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, 

Nigeria 

 

Received: September 25, 2019   Accepted: October 8, 2019   Online Published: November 19, 2019 

doi:10.22158/fsns.v3n4p160        URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.22158/fsns.v3n4p160 

 

Abstract 

The study examined the growth performance, hematological and digestive enzymes of Clarias 

gariepinus juveniles fed Cirina forda meal (CFM) based diets in the laboratory for a period of 10weeks. 

Five iso-nitrogenous (30%) experimental diets were formulated at various levels of CFM inclusion 

levels of 0% (control), 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50%, designated as diets Q, A10, B20, C30, D40 and 

E50 respectively. Fish fed the CFM based diets showed mean weight gain (MWG), specific growth rate 

(SGR) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) comparable to the control diet. There was significant 

differences in the digestive enzyme activities of the fish as the CFM level in the experimental diets 

increased. Protease and maltase activities significantly increased, with diet C30 recording the highest 

maltase activity (4.37) while the cellulase and glucanase activities of the fish significantly (P<0.05) 

reduced. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) between the PCV and RBC of the blood of the 

fish fed the various diets. Highest RBC (2.75 x106
/µL) was obtained in fish fed the control diet while the 

lowest (2.55 x106
/µL) was recorded in the fish fed diet E50. The White Blood Cell count and the 

Neutrophils of the fish fed the trial diets were not significantly higher (P>0.05) than those of the fish 

fed the control diets. From the results of this experiment, it is concluded that up to 50% inclusion level 

of Cirina forda meal in the diet of Clarias gariepinus was tolerable for good growth and physiological 

well-being of the fish.  

Keywords 

Clarias, growth, haematology, digestive enzymes 

 

 



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1. Introduction 

Fish culture is one of the fastest growing sectors of the world’s animal production with an annual 

increase of about 10% (FAO, 2010). The African catfish; Clarias gariepinus, is the most sought after 

species among fish farmers and consumers because it commands good commercial value, not only in 

Nigeria, but all over Africa. The growth of aquaculture in Nigeria is now largely being boosted by a 

steady rise in catfish culture. To sustain such high rates of increase in production, a matching increase 

in fish feed production is imperative. The high cost and fluctuating quality as well as the uncertain 

availability of fish meal have led to the need to identify alternative protein sources for fish feed 

formulation. Therefore, in order to attain more economically, sustainable, environmentally friendly and 

viable production, research interest has been directed towards the evaluation and use of 

non-conventional sources of protein.   

The edible larvae of Cirina forda insect (Figure 1) has a wide acceptability as a food source, and also 

serves as an important item of commerce in such Nigerian states like Oyo, Kwara, Kogi, Niger and 

Kaduna, where it has become the most important and marketable insect (Ande, 1991; Fasoranti & 

Ajiboye, 1993). Osasona and Olaofe (2010) analyzed the insect’s larvae as composed of digestible 

protein (45.10%) (Table 1), fats (18.03%) and small, but significant amount of carbohydrate, minerals, 

vitamins and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Table 2 contains the reports of Akinnawo and Ketiku (2000) 

and Omotoso on the mineral composition of C. forda. 

Apart from being a widely acceptable food source, a number of factors are known to enhance the 

availability of the larvae of the insect. Such factors include its capability for artificial rearing, the 

short-lived larval stage, and the high conversion rate (Ande, 1991). These factors make it a resourceful 

replacer for fish meal in animal diets (Oyegoke et al., 2006). Omotoso (2006), Ifie and Emeruwa (2011) 

reported that Cirina forda contains less than 0.005% oxalate. Omotoso observed that the anti-nutrient 

composition (mg/100 g) of C. forda larva to include phytic acid (1.02±0.00) and oxalate (4.11±0.05). 

He however commented that these values are lower than those reported in some proteinous foods. This 

amount is under the tolerance limit because much higher amounts have been observed in various plant 

food materials (Kalita et al., 2007). Vijayakumari et al. (1997) observed that 513 mg of phytic acid was 

present in 100 g of P. chilensis, a consumable legume, hitherto reported by de Lumen et al. (1986), to 

be very rich in methionine and cysteine.  

Enzymes are protein in nature and comprise biological molecules which are involved in metabolic 

processes in living organisms. The digestion and absorption of nutrients are mostly dependent on 

enzyme activities involved in breakdown and assimilation of food (Klein et al., 2006). Therefore, 

analysis of enzyme activities is a convenient and reliable technique that can provide comprehensive 

information relating to digestive physiology and nutritional conditions in the fish (Bolasina et al., 2006). 

Digestive enzyme activities in fishes are associated with feeding ecology and composition of diet 

(Fernandez et al., 2011). Digestive enzymes activity influence feed utilization by fish, and its 

understanding is important to optimize diet formulation. Feed nutrients must be digested for their 



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utilization, and pancreatic digestive enzymes have essential roles for the digestion; trypsin and 

chymotrypsin are the main pancreatic proteases, lipase is the major pancreatic lipolytic enzyme, and 

amylase is known as the major pancreatic digestive enzyme for carbohydrates (Murashita et al., 2015). 

In general, herbivorous fish species possess greater carbohydrate enzyme activity, while carnivorous 

fish species exhibit higher proteolytic enzyme activity (Hidalgo et al., 1999). The digestion and 

absorption of nutrients are mostly dependent on enzyme activities involved in breakdown and 

assimilation of food (Klein et al., 2006). The digestion and metabolism of carbohydrates (and other 

feed ingredients) is dependent on fish species and on the source, inclusion level and treatment of the 

ingredient (Krogdahl et al., 2005; Stone, 2003). Knowledge of the capacity of a fish to utilize the 

nutrients in the diet is an essential pre-requisite for appropriate formulation of fish feed (Wilson, 1994).  

Blood analysis is a valuable means of evaluating the physiological condition of cultured fish with 

respect to the effect of diets and other stress factors on fish health. Changes in haematology of fish in 

response to stressing agents are indicators of the stressful stage of fish, producing useful information to 

curb any unfavourable condition that may affect the fish health (Fagbenro et al., 2010).  

This research is being conducted to evaluate the effects of Cirina forda pupae replacement for fish 

meal in the diet, on the growth, digestive enzymes and haematological parameters of Clarias 

gariepinus. 

 

 

Figure 1. Dried Whole Cirna Forda Pupae 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



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Table 1. Proximate Composition (% DM
-1

) and Energy Value of Cirina Forda Pupae 

Components   Percentage (%)   

 This work 
Akinnawo and 

Ketiku (2000) 

Oso and 

Ola-Oladimeji (2016) 

Adepoju and 

Daboh (2013) 

Omotoso 

(2006) 

Moisture  6.02 - 5.25 - 10.85 

Fibre  - 9.40 7.69 - - 

Ash content 6.62 7.12 6.49 2.6 10.26 

Protein 52.34 33.12 45.10 52.6 55.50 

Fat  17.56 12.24 18.03 16.8 4.68 

Carbohydrates (by difference) 17.36 38.12 17.44 - 18.70 

Energy (Kcal) - 359.00 - 458.4 - 

 

Table 2. Mineral Composition (mg/100g) C. Forda Pupae 

Minerals Omotoso (2006) Akinnawo and Ketiku (2000) 

Calcium 33.16  7.0 

Potassium 64.02 2130 

Magnesium 62.31 32.4 

Phosphorus 215.54  1090 

Sodium 45.26 210 

Iron  5.34 64 

Zinc  3.81 8.6 

Manganese  1.14 7.0 

Copper; Cobalt; Lead; Chromium; Nickel Not available - 

Source: Akinnawo O. and Ketiku, A.O. (2000) and Omotoso (2006). 

 

2. Materials and Method 

2.1 Experimental Site  

The experiment was carried out at the Aquaculture Centre of the Department of Zoology and 

Environmental Biology, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti. 

2.2 Procurement of the Experimental Fish and Feedstuffs 

One hundred and eighty juveniles (31.01± 0.23 g) of Clarias gariepinus were purchased at Adebayo 

fish hatchery in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State. The fish were acclimatized for two weeks being fed with a 

commercial feed (Coppen’s feed). After acclimatization, the fish were randomly distributed into well 

labeled aquarium tanks in triplicates per treatment. 

2.3 The Preparation of Experimental Feed  

Dry Cirina forda pupae was purchased from Oja-Oba (king’s market) in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State. The 



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Cirina forda was sundried and milled into fine powder meal, tagged CFM. Other feed ingredients used 

for the diet formulation include; fish meal, maize, lysine, methionine, wheat bran, vitamin premix, 

groundnut oil and salt purchased from Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Ekiti State, while 

the groundnut oil and salt were obtained from Oja-Oba. Calculated amounts of each feed ingredient 

were weighed separately using Pearson’s square method of feed formulation. Fishmeal was replaced at 

0% (control diet), 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% respectively and the treatments were tagged diets Q, 

A20, B40, C60, D80, and E100 respectively. The various ingredients were properly mixed together and 

pelleted to a particulate size using a 2mm pellet disc. Mixing and pelleting was done at the Federal 

University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), in Ondo State. The pelleted feeds were sundried for a week 

and kept inside labeled polythene bags till required. The feed formulation is as shown in Table 3. 

 

Table 3. Proximate Composition (g 100
-1 

DM) of the Experimental Diets 

Ingredient Q A20 B40 C60 D80 E100 

Fish meal 43.10 38.79 34.48 30.15 25.86 21.55 

Cirina forda  4.31 8.62 12.93 17.24 21.55 

Maize 51.40 51.40 51.40 51.40 51.40 51.40 

Wheat bran 2.50 2.50 2.50 2.50 2.50 2.50 

Lysine 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 

Methonine 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 

Groundnut oil 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 

Vitamin premix* 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 

Total 100 100 100 100 100 100 

*Contains Vit. A 4000000 IU, Vit. D: 800000 IU, Vit. E: 40000 mg, Vit. K: 3800 mg, Vit. B1: 1000 mg, 

Vit. B2: 6000 mg, Vit. B6: 5000 m, Vit. B12: 25 mg, Niacin: 6000 mg, Patothenic acid: 20000 mg, Folic 

acid: 200 mg, Folic acid: 200 mg, Biotin: 8 mg, Manganese: 300000 mg, Iron: 80000 mg, Zinc: 20000 

mg, Cobalt: 80 mg, Iodine: 400 mg, Selenium: 40 mg and Choline: 800000 mg. 

 

2.4 Fish Sampling  

Three fish samples were taken randomly from each bowl. The initial individual weight and length of 

these were measured using the weighing scale and calibrated ruler, respectively. Triplicate samples of 

the fish from each bowl were weighed bi-weekly until the experiment was completed. The bi-weekly 

weighing allowed the adjustment of feeding levels for the subsequent weeks. Unconsumed feeds and 

faecal matters were siphoned off every other day. 

2.5 Growth Performance and Nutrient Utilization Parameters 

Using the weight data and the quantity of feed fed, the growth response and nutrient utilization 

parameters were determined. Mean weight gain (MWG), relative weight and specific growth rate 



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(SGR), percentage weight gain (PWG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), specific growth rate (SGR) were 

calculated, using the following formulae; 

SGR= InW2-InW1 x 100 

               T-t 

Where,  

W1=Initial weight (gram) at time t 

W2= final weight (gram) at time T  

FCR= Weight of food consumed per fortnight  

      Weight gained by fish per fortnight 

MWG= mean final body weight (g)-mean initial body weight (g) 

Survival Rate (SR) = Total fish number harvested 

                 Total fish number stocked  

Relative Weight gained (RWG)                  

RWG = W2-W1 x 100 

              W1 

PWG= Wt-W0 x 100 

Where, 

         W0 = Weight at initial  

         Wt = Weight at time t.  

2.6 Biochemical Analysis 

The proximate compositions of the various diets (Table 4) and the carcass of the flesh of the fish were 

carried out in the laboratory using the methods of AOAC (2006). 

 

Table 4. The Proximate Composition (% DM
-1

) of the Various Diets 

Parameters Q 
a
A20 B40 C60 D80 E100 

Ash  9.51a 9.36a 9.91a 9.21a 8.29ab 7.45ab 

Moisture  12.26a 12.64a 12.03a 11.82a 12.35a 12.65a 

Carbohydrate 35.07a 43.16b 39.81b 37.75b 37.26b 42.55b 

Crude fiber 0.90a 1.20a 0.20b 0.21b 0.47b 0.31b 

Crude Protein  40.06a 39.63a 38.77a 41.81a 39.69a 39.75a 

Fat 0.20a 0.20a 1.20ab 2.10b 4.01b 2.30b 

 

 

 

 

 



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Table 5. The Proximate Composition (% DM
-1

) of the Carcass of C. Gariepinus Fed with the 

Various Diets 

Parameters Q A20 B40 C60 D80 E100 

Ash  12.77ab 15.67a 13.55a 14.06a 13.77a 13.91a 

Moisture  9.45b 11.98a 12.03a 12.34a 12.73a 11.69a 

Crude Protein  73.44a 75.10a 71.78a 72.33a 69.23ab 68.21ab 

Fat 8.26a 7.78a 7.39a 7.55a 6.97a 6.89a 

 

2.7 Enzyme Analysis 

2.7.1 Amylase Assay 

Amylase activity was assayed by the method of Negi and Banerjee (2010). 0.5 mL of properly diluted 

enzyme was added into a tube containing 1.5 mL of 2 % (w/v) of potato starch solution and 1 mL of 

0.05 M acetate buffer, pH 5.0. The reaction mixture was incubated at 40°C for 15 min. Then, 1 mL of 

the mixture was transferred to a new tube containing 1 mL of 3,5-dinitrosalicylic acid and kept in 

boiled water for 10 min. The color density was determined spectrophotometrically at 520 nm. One unit 

was defined as 1 μmol of glucose released per minute by 1 mL of enzyme. 

2.7.2 Sucrase Assay 

0.5 mL of properly diluted enzyme was added into a tube containing 1.5 mL of 2 % (w/v) of Sucrose 

solution and 1 mL of 0.05 M acetate buffer, pH 5.0. The reaction mixture was incubated at 40°C for 15 

min. Then, 1 mL of the mixture was transferred to a new tube containing 1 mL of 3,5-dinitrosalicylic 

acid and kept in boiled water for 10 min. The color density was determined spectrophotometrically at 

520 nm.  

2.7.3 Maltase Assay 

0.5 mL of properly diluted enzyme was added into a tube containing 1.5 mL of 2 % (w/v) of maltose 

solution and 1 mL of 0.05 M acetate buffer, pH 5.0. The reaction mixture was incubated at 40°C for 15 

min. Then, 1 mL of the mixture was transferred to a new tube containing 1 mL of 3,5-dinitrosalicylic 

acid and kept in boiled water for 10 min. The color density was determined spectrophotometrically at 

520 nm.  

2.7.4 Glucanase Assay 

Glucanase was assayed by incubating 500 uL of 5.0% Laminarin in 50 Mm acetate buffer pH 4.8 with 

200 uL enzyme solution at 45°C for 30 min and determination of reducing sugars with DNSA 

(Danielson et al., 2010). 

The amount of reducing sugars was calculated as mmol of glucose per min per ml. 

2.7.5 Cellulase Assay 

Cellulase was measured according to Ghose (1987). A 900 uL of 1% CMC solution was added to 100 

uL enzyme solution in a test tube. 1.5 mL DNS reagent was added and incubated at 50°C in water bath 



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for 30 min. The absorbance was measured at 540 nm. Glucose standard graph was prepared from 

0-500ug glucose. One unit of cellulase activity was defined as the amount of enzyme that liberates 1 

micromole of reducing sugars equivalent to glucose per minute under the assay conditions. 

2.8 Haematological Analysis 

Blood samples of a set of three fish were collected, at the beginning of the feeding trial (week 0) and at 

the end of trial (week 10), following the procedure described by Stockopf (1993) and Joshi et al. (2000a). 

Two ml of the blood sample from each fish was collected by cardiac puncture with 2 ml syringe and 

needle and put in ethylene-diamine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA) treated Bijou bottles. The blood was 

stored at -40°C prior to analysis. Analysis includes the direct measurement of erythrocyte values: 

Haemoglobin (Hb), estimated by cyanomethemglobin method, red blood cells (RBC) and white blood 

cell (WBC) counted by Neubauer’s improved haemocytometer using Hyem’s and Turks solution as a 

diluting fluid respectively. 

2.9 Statistical Analysis 

Growth performance, nutrient utilization parameters, haematological parameters and proximate 

composition data were analyzed using One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Significant 

differences among means were determined using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) on SPSS 

15.0. 

 

3. Results 

3.1 Growth Performance 

Table 5 shows the growth performance and feed utilization of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings fed the 

varying diets. Even though the initial weight of the fish used for this trial were not significantly 

different from one another (P>0.05), the final weight gain of the fish fed diets B20,C30,D40,E50 were 

significantly lower (P>0.05) than that of the control. The MWG of the fish fed diets A10 and B20 were 

high, comparable to the control diet, but not significantly higher (P>0.05) than the other experimental 

diets. The fish fed A10 had the highest MWG (21.50), while the fish fed E50 had the lowest (21.28). 

Fish fed diet C30 had the highest percentage weight gain while the lowest was recorded for the fish fed 

diet E50. The SGR of fish fed the experimental diets were not significantly different (P>0.05) from one 

another nor from the control, but the highest value (0.75) was recorded for the fish fed control diet, 

while the least (0.47) was recorded for the fish fed diets B20 and D40. The FCR of the fish fed the 

experimental diets were not significantly different (P>0.05) from one another, but significantly lower 

(P<0.05) than that of fish fed the control diet. 

 

 

 

 

 



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Table 6. Growth Performance of Clarias Gariepinus Fed with the Experimental Diets 

Parameters Q A10 B20 C30 D40 E50 

Initial weight (g) 30.49a 30.42a 30.42a 30.47a 30.50a 30.49a 

Final weight(g) 52.55b 51.92ab 51.89a 51.82a 51.79a 51.77a 

Mean weight gain(g) 21.46ab 21.50ab 21.47ab 21.35a 21.29a 21.28a 

% Weight gain(g) 72.35a 70.68a 70.58a 70.07a 69.80a 69.79a 

SGR 0.75a 0.50a 0.47a 0.49a 0.47a 0.48a 

FCR 1.39a 2.34b 2.21b 2.59b 2.52b 2.48b 

PER 1.45a 1.43a 1.39ab 1.42a 1.39ab 1.38ab 

Note. Suffixes of different letters indicates statistical significant difference among means and same 

letters in column indicate no significant difference (P>0.05). PER = Protein Efficiency Ratio, FCR = 

Feed conversion ratio, SGR = Specific Growth Rate. 

 

3.2 Enzyme Activity 

Table 4 shows the enzyme activity in the gut of the experimental fish before and after the experiment. 

There was no significant difference (P>0.05) between the initial amylase enzyme activity and that of 

the control. However, the amylase activity of the fish fed the trial diets were significantly (P<0.05) 

higher than the initial and those of the fish fed the control diet. For cellulase, there was significant 

difference (p<0.05) between the initial and the control. There was significant reduction (P<0.05) in the 

cellulase activity of the fish as the CFM level in the experimental diets increased. Maltase activity 

significantly (P<0.05) increased as the fish were fed high level of CFM based diets, with diet C30 

recording the highest maltase activity (4.37). The glucanase activity of the fish significantly (P<0.05) 

reduced in the fish fed the experimental diets when compared with the initial, but when compared with 

the control, there was significantly higher (P<0.05) glucanase activity of the fish fed the trial diets. 

When compared with the initial, protease activity of the fish fed the trial diets increased as the fish was 

fed both the control diet and CFM based diets. The highest protease activity (4.34) was recorded in diet 

C30. 

 

Table 7. Digestive Gut Enzyme Activities of the Experimental Fish 

Enzyme Initial  Q A10 B20 C30 D40 E50  

Amylase 4.18a 3.78a 3.25a 3.72a 4.25b 4.26b 4.28b 

Cellulase 3.17a 0.73b 0.62bc 0.73ab 0.58c 0.69ab 0.65b 

Glucanase 1.79a 0.77bc 1.00b 0.67c 0.52c 0.93b 0.90b 

Maltase 1.22a 1.88ab 3.26b 3.33b 4.37b 2.94bc 3.95b 

Protease 0.59a 2.56b 3.77c 4.02c 4.34c 3.67c 4.17c 

Note. Means with the same letters in rows are not significantly different (P>0.05). 



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3.3 Haematological Parameters 

The haematological parameters of C. gariepinus fed the control diet and the various C. forda fortified 

diets are presented in Table 5. The PCV of fish fed the control diet was not significantly higher (P>0.05) 

than the fish fed the C. forda diets, but diet E50 recorded the least PCV level. There was no definite 

pattern in the Hb of the blood of the variously fed fish but the Hb of the fish fed the control diet was 

significantly higher (P<0.05) than those of the fish fed the experimental diets.  

There was no significant difference (P>0.05) between the RBC of the blood of the fish fed the control 

and the experimental diets. However, the highest RBC (2.75 x106
/µL) was obtained in fish fed the 

control diet and the lowest (2.55 x106
/µL) in the fish fed diet E50. The White Blood Cell (WBC) count 

and neutrophils of the fish fed the experimental diets were not significantly different (P>0.05) from 

those of the fish fed control diets. The lowest WBC (7.81 x106
/µL) was recorded in fish fed the control 

diet and highest (9.03 x106
/µL) in fish fed diet E50. Neutrophils recorded was highest (70.21 x106

/µL) 

in fish fed diet A50 and the least (56.17 x106
/µL) obtained in diet D10.  

 

Table 8. Haematological Parameters of the Fish Fed the Various Diets  

Parameters    Experimental Diets     

 
Q A10 B20 C30 D40 E50 

PCV (%) 26.64a 25.33a 24.33a 24.51a 24.44a 24.00b 

Hb (g/100ml) 8.51a 7.37ab 8.01a 8.33a 7.31ab 7.55ab 

RBC (x10
6
/µL) 2.75a 2.65a 2.61a 2.65a 2.61a 2.55ab 

WBC (x10
6
/µL) 7.81a 7.69a 8.40ab 8.74ab 8.82ab 9.03ab 

Neutrophil ( x10
6
/µL) 56.33a 56.17a 59.00a 60.33ab 63.13ab 63.27ab 

Mean ± S.E with different superscript are significantly different from each other (p<0.05) 

Hb = Haemoglobin; PCV = Pack Cell Volume; WBC = White Blood Cell; RB = Red Blood Cell. 

 

4. Discussion 

In the present study, fish fed the experimental diets showed increase in weight without an external sign 

of nutritional deficiency because growth performances of fish fed Cirina forda diet, at various levels up 

to 50% replacement, improved in terms of weight gain, percentage weight gain and specific growth rate. 

The fish showed good appetite to all the diets as attested to by the increase in body weight. This shows 

that Cirina forda contained some of the necessary growth factors required by Clarias gariepinus. This 

might also be due to good digestibility of the diet. The experimental fish showed great increases in 

weight, which indicates that the fish was able to convert the feed protein to extra muscles. Weight gain 

and species growth rate are usually considered as the most important measurement of productivity of 

diets (Adesina et al., 2013). Fish fed Cirina forda meal showed high specific growth rates comparable 

to the fishmeal based diet. This result agreed with the findings of Oyegoke et al. (2006), who reported 



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that there were no significant differences between the growth performances of broiler chicks fed the 

compounded Cirina forda larvae and those fed the conventional fishmeal.  

The compounded larval diets contained a crude protein level which is comparable and even higher in 

quality to that present in the conventional fishmeal. Cirina forda larvae, in dried form, had been 

confirmed to contain 57.96% crude protein (Ande, 1991). Kodondi et al. (1987) have also analyzed 

three species of saturniid caterpillars (larvae) prepared by the traditional techniques of smoking and 

drying and found them to be high in riboflavin and niacin. Cirina forda was able to cause higher 

growth rate compared to that observed in the fishmeal probably because of its high protein content and 

presence of essential minerals and vitamins like sodium, potassium, zinc and manganese as reported by 

Ande (1991). Keshavanath et al. (2002) reported better utilization of protein from low protein-high 

carbohydrate diets by common carp grown in manured tanks. Adepoju and Daboh (2013) further 

reported that the trypsin inhibitor level of C. forda was very low and cannot cause protein malabsorption. 

The positive growth response of Clarias to Cirna forda diet could also be attributed to its high gross 

energy (458.40), crude protein (45.10-55.50), lipid (16.82-18.80) and acceptability by the fish. Adepoju 

and Daboh (2013) observed that addition of C. forda at 5, 10, and 15% levels to fermented sorghum and 

maize flours significantly increased both micro- and macronutrients of the complementary foods and the 

nutrient density increased with the inclusion level. 

High digestive enzyme activity in fish receiving the test diets would have resulted in better utilization 

of diets, leading to higher growth. High protease activity in the fish fed the control diet and test diets 

when compared to the initial value, indicates efficient utilization of protein from all the diets. This is 

also reflected by the PER value. However, different researchers have shown different results for 

protease activity. Lopez-Lopez et al. (2005) reported that there is no strong correlation between 

protease activity and dietary crude protein. According to Le Moullac et al. (1994) and Krogdahl et al. 

(1999) the quantity of protease and amylase enzyme fluctuate with variation in concentration of 

carbohydrate and protein in fed diets. However, if concentration of these components increases beyond 

limits, concentration of amylase and protease start to decrease (Cara et al., 2003). In this experiment, as 

also reported by Haider et al. (2018), all treatment diets were iso-nitrogenous so there was no 

significant difference in protease activity.  

Kikuchi (1999) reported that fish usually use less carbohydrate, demanding higher protein levels in the 

feeds. Fish species differ greatly in their ability to digest carbohydrates. De Almeida et al. (2006) 

reported that digestive functions capable of hydrolyzing a greater variety of carbohydrate-containing 

feedstuffs have been developed in herbivorous and omnivorous fish, in contrast to carnivorous fish. 

Lower amylase levels may be indicative of the limited potential of fish to exploit diets containing high 

carbohydrate levels.  

Measuring the activity of digestive enzymes is not enough to determine the value of a specific fish feed, 

as enzymes act in combination with feed composition, thus when associated with metabolic parameters 

they are a more reliable indicator of the fish nutritional status (Lundstedt et al., 2004). Digestive enzyme 



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responses can also be influenced by the feeding period, as changes in protein synthesis and enzyme 

activity in fishes can be observed after a long feeding period (Krogdahl et al., 1994; López et al., 1999). 

An increase in White Blood Cells (WBC) and lymphocyte count (lymph) is usually associated with 

microbial infection or the presence of foreign body or antigen in the circulating system (Bello, 2013). A 

measurable increase in white blood cells and neutrophil counts of fish or any animal is a function of 

immunity and animals’ resistance to some vulnerable illness or disease (Akinwande et al., 2004). This 

increase might indicate that the fish under study had high immunity or resistance to diseases. 

From the results of this feeding trial, it can be asserted that C. forda can serve as a good source of 

nutrients in formulating nutrient-rich feed for fish. Fish farmers can utilize the advantages of the insect’s 

availability and nutrient potentials in enhancing the productivity of Clarias gariepinus at reduced cost 

of production.  

 

5. Conclusion  

This feeding trial revealed that up to 50% of Cirina forda meal inclusion level in the diet of Clarias 

gariepinus was utilized efficiently for good growth and physiological performances. This indicates, that 

Cirina forda meal if thermo-treated to reduce anti-nutrition factor such tannin, as in the dried form, 

could replace fishmeal up to 50% in the fish feed composition without physiological distress. This level 

of inclusion would be significant replacement for the expensive fishmeal in feed formulation, since 

Cirina forda meal is an animal resource with less competition for it’s use. 

 

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