Marlene Mae J. Namuag( June 2011)
Philippine Science High School Western Visayas Campus – Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PSHS WVC), Brgy. Bito-on, Jaro, Iloilo City 5000, Philippines
Fish meal is recognized as a valuable animal protein supplement and is added to feeds to obtain efficient diets, particularly for poultry and aquaculture. The high biological value of fish meal for many species has resulted in high costs and dependence in commodity. Cassava (Manihot esculenta) leaf meal has been a dietary protein source to both terrestrial and aquatic animal studies. This study determined what would be the moisture and ash content of developmental feed with different ratios of fish meal and sun-dried cassava leaf meal. The sun-dried cassava leaf meal was mixed with fish meal in different proportions using a blender and was bound using glucose in a syringe. The moisture content was determined using oven-drying method and ash content by ashing. There is a significant difference in the moisture content of the developed pellet with different ratios of cassava leaf meal and fish meal. Highest moisture and ash content was recorded from pellets with 1:1 ratio of cassava leaf meal and fish meal. It is concluded that sun-dried cassava leaf meal can be used as an alternative protein source to fish meal using the I part cassava leaf meal and 2 parts fish meal ratio.