The Evaluation of Heated Culban, Vicia peregrina as a Partial Replacement for Fish Meal in Diets of Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus

This study was conducted to determine the potential nutritional value of heated culban (Vicia peregrina) seed at the different levels (0, 10, 20 and 30%) in diet as a plant protein source for Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The fish fed experimental diets grew from an initial body weight of 38 g to a final body weight of 120 g for a rearing period of 80 days. Growth parameters, feed utilization and meat proximate composition were found similar in all experimental groups. It is concluded that culban seed can be successfully used as an inexpensive plant protein source at least up to a level of 30% in tilapia diets without adverse effects on fish performance. © Medwell Journals, 2010.