Indigovita: Assessing the Efficacy of Fermented Indigofera Zollingeriana Miq. Leaves as an Alternative Fish Feed Supplement for African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus)

The increasing cost of commercial fish feed presents a growing challenge for sustainable aquaculture, especially among small-scale fish farmers. This financial burden reduces profitability and limits the accessibility of quality nutrition essential for optimal fish growth. This study explored the potential of fermented Indigofera zollingeriana Miq. Leaves as a natural fish feed supplement for African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus), offering a plant-based alternative to conventional feeds and assessing its effectiveness in promoting growth performance. A total of thirty African Catfish fingerlings were used, divided into four experimental groups and one control group, each group containing six fingerlings. The experimental groups received varying percentages of I. zollingeriana leaf meal (0%, 15%, 30%, 45%), while the control group was fed commercial feed. Researchers measured and recorded the length and weight before and after treatment, with growth performance assessed using Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) and Specific Growth Rate (SGR). The data were analyzed using Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Kruskal-Wallis Test to determine statistical significance. The results indicated no significant differences between the experimental and control groups, suggesting that I. zollingeriana performed comparably to commercial feeds supporting fish growth. Among the treatments, the 45% I. zollingeriana leaf meal group (T4) recorded the lowest FCR of 1.51% and the highest SGR (3.48%/day). The control group exhibited an FCR of 1.51% and an SGR of 3.44%/day, demonstrating similar feed efficiency. While statistical significance was not achieved, the comparable growth performance implies that I. zollingeriana could still serve as a viable, cost-effective, and sustainable alternative to commercial fish feeds. Further studies are recommended to optimize formulation ratios, extend feeding trials, and assess its long-term effects on fish health and overall aquaculture productivity.