INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue IX September 2025
Page 4212
Evaluating Moringa Leaf Meal for Sustainable and Cost-Effective
Fish Meal Substitution
Md. Mosharraf Hossain
1*
, Mohammad Iqbal Kabir
2
, Md. Mohibul Hasan
1
, Mohammad Raiyan
Zaman
3
, Samira Islam Resmi
1
, Md. Wahidul Islam
1
, Md. Monirujjaman
2
and Md. Abdus Salam
4
1
Department of Agribusiness, Atish Dipankar University of Science and Technology, Dhaka, Bangladesh
2
Sonali Bank PLC, Jessore Corporate Branch, Jessore, Bangladesh
3
Institute of Business Administration (IBA), University of Dhaka, Bangladesh
4
Department of Aquaculture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
*Correspondence Author
DOI: https://doi.org/10.51244/IJRSI.2025.120800380
Received: 11 Sep 2025; Accepted: 17 Sep 2025; Published: 16 October 2025
ABSTRACT
Aquaculture is the fastest-growing food production sector globally, yet it remains heavily dependent on fish
meal-based feeds. Moringa (Moringa oleifera) leaves, rich in protein, essential amino acids, vitamins, and
minerals, have emerged as a promising substitute for fish meal. This study evaluated the efficacy of Moringa
Leaf Meal (MLM) as a partial fish meal (FM) replacement in diets for rohu (Labeo rohita) fingerlings under
controlled laboratory conditions at the Department of Aquaculture, Bangladesh Agricultural University,
Mymensingh. A 60-day feeding trial was conducted using three dietary treatments: T
1
(Control, 0% MLM), T
2
(10% MLM), and T
3
(20% MLM), with three replicates per treatment. Rohu fingerlings (11.47 ± 2.0 g) were
stocked in nine 90 L plastic drums, maintained with daily 25% water exchange and continuous aeration. Fish
were fed experimental diets at 5% body weight twice daily, and growth performance, water quality parameters,
and feed cost were monitored throughout the study. All treatments achieved 100% survival. Growth
performance, measured as mean length and weight gain, was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in fish fed T
2
and
T
3
diets compared to the control, with T
2
exhibiting the best overall performance. Proximate composition
analysis revealed higher crude protein and lipid content but lower ash and fiber content in rohu fingerlings with
increasing MLM inclusion. Feed cost analysis showed that T
3
had the lowest feed cost, while T
1
was the most
expensive. These findings suggest that incorporating 10% Moringa Leaf Meal in rohu diets is a cost-effective
and sustainable strategy that enhances growth performance without compromising fish health or welfare.
Keywords: Aquaculture, Moringa (Moringa oleifera), Rohu (Labeo rohita), Sustainable feed
INTRODUCTION
The growing global demand for fish, driven by both increasing consumption and the projected rise in world
population, has put immense pressure on traditional fisheries, prompting the expansion of aquaculture as a key
solution to meet these needs (Bjørndal et al., 2024; DOF,2024). As the aquaculture industry continues to grow,
ensuring a reliable and cost-effective source of protein for fish feed becomes paramount. Fish meal (FM) has
long been the primary protein source in aquafeeds, valued for its balanced amino acid profile, digestibility, and
palatability (Hussain et al., 2024). However, the rising cost, declining supply, and environmental concerns
(Hasan et al., 2021, Hasan et al., 2022, Fatema et al., 2023; Hasan et al., 2023; Hasan et al., 2024) associated
with FM have highlighted the need for alternative protein sources.
Plant-based proteins have garnered significant attention as viable substitutes for FM in aquafeeds due to their
sustainability, availability, and lower cost. Among these, Moringa oleifera, a highly nutritious plant known for
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue IX September 2025
Page 4213
its impressive protein content and various health benefits, has emerged as a promising candidate. Moringa
leaves are rich in essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, making them a potentially invaluable resource
for aquaculture feeds (Hany et al., 2022).
Nutritionally, Moringa is a powerhouse. The leaves contain approximately 25–30% crude protein on a dry
matter basis, which is comparable to other high-protein plant sources (Gopalakrishnan et al., 2016). Moringa is
also rich in essential amino acids (EAAs) such as leucine, lysine, and methionine, which are crucial for fish
growth and development (Hany et al., 2022). These amino acids help promote the synthesis of proteins in the
body, leading to enhanced muscle mass and overall growth performance in fish (El-Kassas et al., 2020).
Furthermore, Moringa leaves contain a variety of vitamins, including Vitamin A, C, and E, which are essential
for immune function, antioxidant protection, and overall health (Gopalakrishnan et al., 2016). The presence of
vital minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium in Moringa is also important for supporting
the fish's bone development, metabolic processes, and overall wellbeing.
In addition to its rich nutritional profile, Moringa is abundant in phytochemicals such as flavonoids,
carotenoids, and phenolic acids, which have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties
(Gopalakrishnan et al., 2016). These bioactive compounds can contribute to improved disease resistance and
immunity in fish, making Moringa not just a protein source but also a functional feed additive (Zhang et al.,
2020). Studies have shown that Moringa supplementation can enhance the growth performance, feed
conversion efficiency, and immune responses of various fish species, including Nile tilapia, rohu, and catfish.
This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of using Moringa leaf meal (MLM) as a sustainable and cost-
effective alternative to fish meal in the diet of aquaculture species, specifically focusing on its impact on
growth performance, feed conversion ratio, and overall fish health. By exploring MLM as a partial
replacement for FM, the research seeks to contribute to the development of more sustainable aquafeed
formulations that can reduce reliance on traditional fish meal, support aquaculture growth, and mitigate
environmental impacts.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The experiment was conducted in the Aquaponics Laboratory of the Department of Aquaculture, Faculty of
Fisheries, Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh. The study spanned 60 days, from 20
th
September to 20
th
November 2018. Rohu (Labeo rohita) fingerlings with an average initial weight of 11.47
(±2.0) g were selected for the experiment. The study involved three treatments, based on the inclusion level of
Moringa leaf meal (MLM) to replace fish meal (FM) as T
1
(Control): 0%, T
2
: 10% and T
3
: 20% MLM
inclusion. Each treatment was replicated thrice, resulting in nine circular fish-holding tanks, each containing 90
liters of water.
The experimental tanks were equipped with 18-watt air pumps and air stones for continuous oxygenation and
covered with thin nylon nets to prevent fish from jumping or being exposed to predators. These tanks were
supplied with continuous electricity to ensure optimal oxygen levels throughout the study. Moringa leaf meal
(MLM) was incorporated into experimental diets at 0% (control), 10%, and 20% inclusion levels, with fish
meal replaced by MLM in the T
2
and T
3
diets. Moringa leaves, sourced from Litu Moringa Estate, were
cleaned, blanched in boiling water for 2 minutes, and soaked in chilled water to stop the cooking process. After
air-drying and further dehydration, the leaves were ground into fine powder and stored in airtight containers to
maintain their nutritional integrity for feed preparation and subsequent analysis (Table 1).
Table 1. The proximate composition of moringa leaf meal (MLM)
Nutrients
Composition
(%)
Moisture
12.86
Crude lipid
2.3
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)
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Crude protein
27.57
Crude fiber
12.21
Ash
4.25
NFE
40.81
The fish feed was formulated to progressively replace fishmeal (FM) with moringa leaf powder (MLM) while
maintaining a crude protein content of 30% across all diets. MLM was incorporated at three levels: 0%
(control), 10%, and 20%, replacing equivalent amounts of FM (Table 2). Locally available ingredients such as
wheat flour, mustard oil cake, soybean meal, fish meal, moringa leaf meal, soybean oil, rice bran, and a
vitamin-mineral premix were used to create the experimental diets (Table 3). The ingredients were carefully
weighed and mixed by hand with enough water to form a smooth mixture, which was then pelletized using a
pellet die machine. The prepared pellets were dried in a homemade oven for 24 hours to reduce moisture
content. Afterward, the experimental diets underwent proximate composition analysis, following standard
procedures from AOAC (2000) and using triplicate samples for accuracy.
Table 2. Feed Ingredients for Formulating Test Diets Containing 30% Crude Protein for Rohu Fingerlings
Ingredients
T
1
(Control; 0%
FM
replaced with MLM)
T
2
(10%
FM
replaced
with
MLM)
T
3
(20%
FM
replaced with
MLM)
Moringa leaf powder
0
3
6
Fish
meal
30
27
24
Rice
bran
25
25
25
Soybean
meal
10
15
15
Mustard oil cake
15
13
14
Wheat
flour
15
12
11
Soybean
oil
3
3
3
Vitamins and mineral
premix
2
2
2
Total
100
100
100
Table 3. Proximate composition analysis of moringa (Moringa oleifera) leaf-based fish feeds
Parameters
Fee with 0% MLM (T
1
)
Feed with 10% MLM
(T
2
)
Feed wit 30% MLM (T
3
)
Moisture
12.91
12.55
12.58
Crude
protein
30.89
30.84
29.76
Crude lipids
4.81
4.95
5.21
Ash
12.33
`12.38
11.84
Fiber
6.22
6.56
6.81
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue IX September 2025
Page 4215
NFE
32.83
32.71
33.91
The preparation of fish tanks involved washing, disinfecting, and drying to ensure cleanliness and eliminate
harmful substances. Tanks were equipped with air pumps and filled with 90 liters of water. Rohu fingerlings
were sourced from a hatchery, acclimatized in the lab for 15 days, and starved for 24 hours before the
experiment to standardize their digestive system. They were fed handmade feeds at a rate of 5% of their body
weight twice a day. Water quality parameters, including temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen, were
monitored regularly. Fish length and weight were measured bi-weekly, and growth performance was evaluated
based on length gain, weight gain, specific growth rate (SGR), food conversion ratio (FCR), survival rate, and
fish production. A low pH stress tolerance test was conducted by exposing fish to pH 3 water, and disease
treatment involved a saltwater bath to control infection. Feed cost was calculated based on ingredient prices,
and proximate composition analysis of fish and diets followed AOAC standards (Table 4).
Table 4: The price of fish feed ingredients at the local market
Feed
ingredients
Price(tk)/Kg
Moringa leaf meal
30
Fish meal
80
Wheat flour
25
Soybean meal
42
Rice bran
35
Mustard oil cake
35
Soybean oil
80
Vitamin and mineral premix
100
Collected data were entered into the computer for statistical analysis. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA)
was performed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Science) to evaluate the influence of different
treatments on the parameters. Comparison between treatment means was carried out using Duncan’s multiple
range tests to analyze the significance of variations between the treatments. All statistical analyses were
performed using MS Excel 2007 (version 7.0). The results are presented as mean ± standard deviation (SD).
RESULTS
Growth performance
The growth performance of rohu fingerlings (Labeo rohita) was assessed over a 60-day period using three
different feed treatments, including two diets supplemented with moringa leaf meal (MLM) and a control feed.
The growth parameters were evaluated based on length (cm) and weight gain (g). Graphical representations of
the growth performance of rohu fingerlings are presented in Figures 12 to 18. The results demonstrated a
noticeable increase in both length and weight over time, with growth observed on various sampling dates
(Tables 5 and 6). Key indicators of growth performance, including initial weight, final weight, percentage
weight gain, specific growth rate (SGR) (% per day), survival rate (%), and fish production (kg/ha/60 days),
were calculated for each treatment and are summarized in Table 7. These results highlight the potential benefits
of using moringa leaf meal-based diets for the nursing of rohu fingerlings.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue IX September 2025
Page 4216
Table 5. The length increased of rohu fingerlings during the experiment
Sampling
Date
Feed with 0%
MLM
replaced
by
FM (T
1
)
Feed with
10%
MLM
replaced by
FM (T
2
)
Feed with
20%
MLM
replaced by
FM (T
3
)
F
Value
p-
Value
Level
of sig.
20.09.2018
11.32(±0.23)
a
11.50(±0.15)
a
11.64(±0.02)
a
3.125
0.12
NS
05.10.2018
11.51(±0.18)
a
11.73(±0.14)
ab
11.89(±0.02)
b
3.209
0.11
NS
20.10.2018
11.75(±0.17)
a
12.08(±0.14)
b
12.25(±0.11)
b
9.539
0.02
*
05.11.2018
12.05(±0.19)
a
12.48(±0.14)
b
12.58(±0.09)
b
10.817
0.01
*
20.11.2018
12.40(±0.18)
a
12.92(±0.21)
b
12.87(±0.07)
b
8.560
0.02
*
*a, b, c means with different superscripts within the same row differ significantly *=Significant (P>0.05), *
*=Significant (P>0.01
Table 6. The weight increased of rohu fingerlings during the experiment
Sampling
Date
Feed with 0%
MLM
replaced by
FM (T
1
)
Feed with
10%
MLM
replaced by
FM (T
2
)
Feed with
20%
MLM
replaced by
FM (T
3
)
F
Value
p-
Value
Level
of sig.
20.09.2018
12.13(±0.04)
a
12.34(±0.05)
b
12.39(±0.01)
b
3.063
0.00
**
05.10.2018
12.71(±0.11)
a
13.18(±0.24)
b
13.26(±0.13)
b
8.518
0.02
*
20.10.2018
13.59(±0.38)
a
14.35(±0.24)
b
14.37(±0.27)
b
6.314
0.03
*
05.11.2018
14.56(±0.46)
a
15.70(±0.23)
b
15.66(±0.24)
b
11.307
0.01
**
20.11.2018
15.51(±0.29)
a
16.81(±0.21)
b
16.65(±0.17)
b
27.924
0.01
**
*a,b,c means with different superscripts within the same row differ significantly *=Significant (P>0.05), *
*=Significant (P>0.01)
At the start of the experiment, there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in the initial lengths of the rohu
fingerlings across the three treatments (T
1
, T
2
, and T
3
). Over the 60-day study period, the highest mean length
gain was observed in T
2
at 12.92 (±0.21) cm, followed closely by T
3
at 12.87 (±0.07) cm and T
1
at 12.40
(±0.18) cm (Table 5). The mean length gain was significantly higher in T
2
compared to the control, with a
difference of 1.42 cm. The lowest mean length gain was observed in T1, with a difference of 1.08 cm. The
graphical representation of the mean length gain. During the 60-day experimental period, the highest percent
length gain was observed in T2 at 12.41 (±1.34)%, compared to T3 and T1. The lowest percent length gain was
recorded in T1 at 9.55 (±0.99)%. The graphical illustration of percent length gain.
The highest mean final weight was 16.81 (±0.21) g in T3, while the lowest mean final weight was 15.51
(±0.29) g in T1. The mean weight gain in the treatments was as follows: T1, 3.38 (±0.24) g; T2, 4.46 (±0.19) g;
and T3, 4.25 (±0.15) g. A significant (P < 0.05) difference in mean final weight gain was observed among the
three treatments (T1, T2, and T3). Over the 60-day experimental period, the highest percent weight gain was
recorded in T2 at 36.17 (±1.56)%, followed by T3, and the lowest percent weight gain was observed in T1 at
27.90 (±1.94)%.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)
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Table 7. Growth response and feed utilization of rohu fingerlings fed the prepared feed containing moringa leaf
meal
Parameters
Feed with 0%
MLM
replaced
by
FM (T
1
)
Feed with
10%
MLM
replaced
by
FM (T
2
)
Feed with
20%
MLM
replaced
by
FM (T
3
)
F
Value
p-
Value
Level
of
sig.
Initial length (cm)
11.32(±0.23)
a
11.50(±0.15)
a
11.64(±0.02)
a
3.125
0.12
NS
Final length (cm)
12.87(±0.07)
b
12.92(±0.21)
b
12.40(±0.18)
a
27.93
0.01
**
% length gain
9.55(±0.99)
a
12.41(±1.34)
b
10.53(±0.41)
ab
06.39
0.03
*
Initial weight (g)
12.13(±0.04)
a
12.34(±0.05)
a
12.39(±0.01)
a
3.063
0.45
NS
Final wt (g)
16.65(±0.17)
b
16.81(±0.21)
b
15.51(±0.29)
a
30.11
0.01
**
% wt gain
27.90(±1.94)
b
36.17(±1.56)
b
34.30(±1.23)
a
21.74
0.02
**
FCR
1.99(±0.28)
b
1.02(±0.22)
a
1.17(±0.21)
a
8.65
0.13
NS
SGR (%/day)
0.98(±0.21)
a
1.01(±0.08)
a
0.94(±0.18)
a
0.13
0.88
NS
Survival
(%)
100
100
100
-
-
-
Production(kg/m
3
)
12.81
18.11
15.89
-
-
-
*Mean (±SD); Significant level indicates in a rightward and mean with same superscript values are
insignificantly different (P>0.05).
No significant difference in the mean specific growth rate (SGR, % per day) was observed among the
treatments (T
1
, T
2
, and T
3
), indicating statistical similarity across all groups. The mean SGR values recorded
were 0.98% for T
1
, 1.01% for T
2
, and 0.94% for T
3
. Among the treatments, T
2
showed the highest mean SGR
value (1.01%), while T
3
exhibited the lowest mean SGR value (0.94%). No mortality was recorded during the
60-day experimental period, resulting in a 100% survival rate for rohu fingerlings across all treatments (Table
7). The fish production of rohu fingerlings ranged from 1,282 to 1,811 kg/ha over the 60-day period (Table 7).
The highest production was observed in the T2 treatment, with 1,811 kg/ha, followed by the control treatment
and T3. The lowest production was recorded in T1, at 1,282 kg/ha. A graphical representation of fish
production.
The results of the low pH stress test are presented in Figure 1. Fish-fed diets with 20% MLM replacing fish
meal (FM) in T
3
and 10% MLM replacing FM in T
2
showed significantly (P < 0.05) higher tolerance to low pH
stress compared to T
1
(control), which was fed a diet with 0% MLM replacing FM. The time to 50% mortality
(LD50) was significantly lower in T
1
, indicating reduced stress tolerance in fish from the control group. This
suggests that MLM inclusion in the diet enhanced the resilience of rohu fingerlings to acidic stress conditions.
Figure 1. Time to 50% mortality (LD50) in low pH stress test (vertical bar of each treatment represents
standard deviation).
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)
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Efficient feed utilization depends on the cost and acceptability of the feed by the fish. To determine the most
efficient feed among the three diets tested for rohu fingerlings, the food conversion ratio (FCR) and feed costs
were evaluated. The FCR values of the three experimental diets were calculated at the end of the 60-day study
period. The highest FCR value was recorded in T1 at 3.99 (±0.28), indicating lower feed efficiency in this
treatment. The lowest FCR value was observed in T2 at 3.02 (±0.22), although this difference was not
statistically significant compared to other treatments (Table 7, Figure 19). This suggests that the T2 diet, with
10% MLM replacing fish meal, was the most efficient in terms of feed conversion among the tested diets.
Cost of the experimental diets
The cost of the three experimental diets was calculated based on the market prices of the ingredients used. The
feed costs were as follows: T1 (control): 50.35 tk/kg; T
2
(10% MLM replacing fish meal): 49.50 tk/kg; T
3
(20% MLM replacing fish meal): 40.10 tk/kg Among the diets, T
3
was the most cost-effective, with the lowest
feed cost (40.10 tk/kg), as it incorporated 20% MLM as a replacement for fish meal. Conversely, the control
feed (T1), which contained 100% fish meal, was the most expensive due to the higher inclusion level of fish
meal. The cost of feed decreased as the level of MLM inclusion increased, highlighting the economic benefits
of using moringa leaf meal in fish feed formulations (Figure 2).
Figure 2. The cost of different diets (tk/kg) in the present study
Proximate composition of Rohu
The proximate composition of the experimental rohu fingerlings, which were fed the different diets, was
analyzed at the end of the experiment in the Aquaculture Nutrition Laboratory. The results of the proximate
composition, including moisture, protein, lipid, and ash content, are presented in Table 8. These results provide
insights into the nutritional quality of the fish based on the different feeding treatments.
Table 8. The proximate composition of rohu fingerlings (% moisture basis) with experimental diets
Parameters
Feed with 0%
MLM
replaced by FM
(
T
1
)
Feed with 10%
MLM
replaced by FM
(
T
2
)
Feed with 20%
MLM replaced
by FM
(
T
3
)
Moisture
78.07(±0.31)
b
76.60(±0.08)
a
77.73(±0.05)
b
Crude
protein
14.08(±0.02)
a
15.14(±0.04)
c
14.55(±0.03)
b
Crude
lipid
3.07(±0.18)
a
3.91(±0.06)
c
3.31(±0.04)
b
Ash
3.87(±0.04)
b
3.18(±0.14)
a
3.05(±0.05)
a
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Page 4219
NFE
1.45(±0.07)
ab
1.15(±0.09)
ac
0.88(±0.11)
b
Carbohydrate
0.30 (±0.06)
b
0.77 (±0.02)
a
0.79 (±0.03)
a
No significant differences were observed in the moisture content among the treatments. The highest moisture
content was found in T
1
(78.07 ± 0.31%), while the lowest moisture content was recorded in T
2
(76.60 ±
0.08%) (Table 8). The crude protein content of rohu fish ranged from 14.08 (±0.02) to 15.14 (±0.04). The
highest protein content was found in T
2
, while the lowest was recorded in T
1
(Table 8). The crude lipid content
of the rohu fish ranged from 3.07 (±0.18) to 3.91 (±0.06). The highest lipid content (3.91 ± 0.06%) was found
in T
2
, whereas the lowest value (3.07 ± 0.18%) was observed in T
1
(Table 8). The ash content of the rohu fish
ranged from 3.05 (±0.05) to 3.87 (±0.04), with no significant differences observed among the treatments (Table
8). The Carbohydrate content in the fish varied from 0.30 (±0.06) to 0.79 (±0.06), with the highest value found
in T
3
. T
2
and T
3
treatments showed similar carbohydrate content, with T
3
having the highest and T
1
showed a
significant difference with other two treatments (Table 8).
Water quality
Maintaining optimal water quality is essential for maximizing fish production in aquaculture. The physico-
chemical parameters of water, including temperature (°C), dissolved oxygen (mg/L), pH, ammonia (mg/L),
nitrate (mg/L), and nitrite (mg/L), were within the suitable range for rearing rohu fingerlings. The water quality
parameters measured in the experimental tanks throughout the study period are provided in Table 9. These
values indicate that water conditions were well-maintained, supporting healthy fish growth during the
experiment.
Table 9. The water quality parameters of different treatments during the experimental period
Parameters
Feed with 0%
MLM
replaced by
FM (T
1
)
Feed with 10%
MLM
replaced by
FM (T
2
)
Feed with 20%
MLM
replaced by
FM (T
3
)
Temperature
(ËšC)
25.52(±0.59)
25.09(±0.38)
25.23(±0.34)
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)
5.6(±0.50)
5.53(±0.20)
5.45(±0.18)
pH
7.62(±0.05)
7.61(±0.08)
7.66(±0.08)
EC (µs/cm)
360(±2.89)
366.67(±1.02)
371(±3.06)
TDS (ppm)
182.25(±0.43)
183.44(±0.80)
184.17(±0.44)
Ammonia (mg/L)
0.08(±0.08)
0.08(±0.08)
0.08(±0.08)
Nitrate
(mg/L)
1.67(±1.67)
0.89(±0.58)
0.0
Nitrite
(mg/L)
0.67(±0.67)
0.0
0.0
During the study period, the water temperature ranged from 23.2°C to 30°C across the different experimental
tanks. In T
1
treatment, the temperature varied from 23.4°C to 30°C, in T
2
treatment from 23.2°C to 28°C, and
in T
3
treatment from 23.4°C to 29°C (Table 9). The highest recorded temperature was 30°C in T
1
treatment on
20
th
September 2018, while the lowest was 23°C in T
2
treatment on 11th October 2018.
The dissolved oxygen (DO) ranged from 2.9 mg/L to 6.7 mg/L throughout the study period (Table 9).
Significant variation in DO levels was observed at different times across the treatments. The highest DO
concentration (6.7 mg/L) was recorded in T
2
treatment on 11
th
October 2018. The lowest DO concentration
(2.9 mg/L) was observed in T
3
treatment on 20
th
September 2018, during a period when the conditions were
poor due to a power outage overnight. The average pH values fluctuated between 7.48 and 7.75 across the
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue IX September 2025
Page 4220
treatments during the experimental period. The mean pH values recorded were 7.62 (±0.05) in T
1
, 7.61 (±0.08)
in T
2
, and 7.66 (±0.08) in T
3
(Table 9). No significant variation in pH was observed among the different
treatments.
The mean values of electric conductivity (EC) were 360 (±2.89) µs/cm in T
1
, 366.67 (±1.02) µs/cm in T
2
, and
371 (±3.06) µs/cm in T
3
(Table 9). No significant differences in EC were observed among the treatments (P >
0.05). The mean TDS values were 182.25 (±0.43) ppm in T
1
, 183.44 (±0.80) ppm in T
2
, and 184.17 (±0.44)
ppm in T
3
(Table 9) and no significant differences in total dissolved solids (TDS) were found among the
treatments. The mean range of ammonia (NH₃) was from 0.0 to 0.08 mg/L, nitrate (NO₃) from 0.0 to 1.67
mg/L, and nitrite (NOâ‚‚) from 0.0 to 0.67 mg/L across all treatments during the 60-day study period (Table 9).
These values were within acceptable ranges, ensuring suitable water quality for the experimental rohu
fingerlings.
DISCUSSIONS
The present study investigated the use of moringa leaf meal (MLM) as a substitute for fish meal (FM) in the
formulation of fish feed. Approximately 208.85 g of MLM was derived from 3340 g of fresh moringa leaves,
achieving a meal retention of about 16%. This yield was slightly higher than previous reports by Müller and
Rebelo (2001), who obtained 12.5–15% of leaf powder from fresh moringa leaves. The variation may be
attributed to differences in the drying process employed in the current study. These findings highlight the
potential of MLM as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative protein source for aquafeeds, addressing
challenges posed by the rising cost and environmental impact of conventional FM.
The mean and percent length gains were highest in T
2
, where 10% MLM was included, compared to T
1
and T
3
.
The lowest values were observed in T
1
, with gains of 1.08 cm and 9.55%. However, increasing the MLM level
in T
3
reduced length gain, potentially due to anti-nutritional factors in moringa leaves. Similar trends were
reported by Samkelisiwe and Ngonidzashe (2014) and Richter et al. (2003), indicating that high levels of
MLM substitution can hinder fish growth. Weight gain and percent weight gain were significantly higher in T
2
(4.46 g and 36.17%) compared to T
1
and T
3
. These findings align with studies by Ozovehe (2013) and
Tagwireyi et al. (2008), which demonstrated that up to 10% MLM inclusion is optimal for growth in species
such as Nile tilapia and Clarias gariepinus. Substitution beyond this threshold likely impacts nutrient
utilization due to anti-nutrients in MLM. The SGR values, ranging from 0.94 to 1.01, showed no significant
differences among treatments, with the highest observed in T
2
. Comparatively lower SGR values in this study
may be attributed to laboratory rearing conditions and limited nutrient utilization. Similar observations were
made by Jahan et al. (2012) for soybean meal-based feeds. Survival rates were 100% across all treatments,
indicating effective management practices. Previous studies by Abid and Ahmed (2009) and Jahan et al. (2012)
also reported similar survival rates with partial FM replacement using plant-based proteins. The presence of
antioxidants in moringa leaves likely enhanced fish immunity, contributing to the observed survival rates.
Fish production ranged from 1281 to 1811 kg/ha over 60 days, with T
2
showing the highest yield. Compared to
prior studies, such as those by Islam et al. (2017) and Khan et al. (2003), this study demonstrated improved
production, attributed to nutrient-rich MLM and proper culture conditions. The nutritional analysis revealed
moisture, crude protein, crude lipid, ash, and carbohydrate contents within acceptable ranges. Higher protein
content in fish fed MLM-based diets suggests positive nutrient utilization. Similar results were reported by
Ganzon-Naret (2014) and Hossain (1988) for plant protein-based diets. Stress tolerance to low pH (pH 3)
showed higher LD50 times in T
2
and T
3
, indicating improved resilience due to moringa’s bioactive
compounds, such as phenolics and flavonoids. Gbadamosi et al. (2017) reported similar stress tolerance
benefits with MLM supplementation. The cost analysis revealed that T
3
(20% MLM inclusion) was the
cheapest, at 48.10 BDT/kg, compared to 50.35 BDT/kg for T
1
. This cost-effectiveness underscores MLM’s
potential to reduce feed expenses while maintaining fish growth and health. The water quality parameters,
including temperature (23.2–29°C), dissolved oxygen (2.9–6.7 mg/L), and pH (7.3–8.45), remained within
suitable ranges for fish culture. These findings align with established standards (Boyd, 1982; Swingle, 1961),
confirming that MLM inclusion had no adverse effects on water quality. In conclusion, the use of moringa leaf
meal as a partial substitute for fish meal demonstrated promising results in terms of growth performance, cost-
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue IX September 2025
Page 4221
effectiveness, and sustainability. Further research on optimizing inclusion levels and mitigating anti-nutritional
effects could enhance its application in aquaculture.
CONCLUSION
The study demonstrated that moringa leaf meal (MLM) can be effectively used as a cost-efficient and
sustainable substitute for fish meal (FM) in rohu (Labeo rohita) feed, with the 10% MLM-based diet (T2)
showing the best growth, survival, and production performance. This approach offers a practical and affordable
solution for rural fish farmers, enhancing aquaculture sustainability in Bangladesh.
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