<![CDATA[ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS The increasing scale of catfish aquaculture is expected to raise the overall demand for fish feed Catfish feed remains expensive due to the dominance of imported protein ingredients Sacha inchi meal offers a promising plant-based protein alternative for aquaculture diets Replacing 50% of soybean meal with sacha inchi meal improves digestibility, fish growth, and feed efficiency ABSTRACT Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) production has increased, necessitating adequate nutritional support through feed. However, the expensive price of feed, primarily due to reliance on imported ingredients such as soybean meal (SBM), remains a major challenge. Sacha inchi meal (SIM), derived as a by-product from the oil extraction of Plukenetia volubilis, is rich in protein and essential amino acids, making it a promising local alternative. This study aimed to determine the feasibility of SIM as a substitute for defatted soybean meal (SBM) in catfish feed. Fifteen juvenile catfish (11.01 ± 0.01 g) were reared in 15 aquariums measuring 90 cm × 45 cm × 45 cm for 60 days, with three replicates for each of five isonitrogenous (30% crude protein) feed formulations containing 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% replacement levels of SBM with SIM. Chromium III oxide (Cr2O3) was added as an indicator for digestibility analysis. Feces and blood were collected, and fish samples were analyzed to assess growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, and histological characteristics of the intestine and liver. The 50% replacement SBM by SIM demonstrated the highest total digestibility, digestive enzyme activity, and plasma total protein levels, followed by high protein retention and a protein efficiency ratio. Enhanced protein utilization in the 50% replacement SBM by SIM resulted in the highest average final weight, specific growth rate, and optimal feed conversion ratio.]]>
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