PROXIMATE COMPOSITION AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF FISH AND POULTRY FEEDS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF IMPORTED, LOCAL, AND BIOTECHNOLOGICALLY FORMULATED FEEDS FROM AGRICULTURAL WASTE IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigates the proximate compositions of seven fish and poultry feeds sourced from imported, local, and biotechnologically formulated agricultural waste in Nigeria. Using standard AOAC methods, parameters such as moisture, ash, protein, lipid, crude fiber, and carbohydrate were analyzed to assess their nutritional profiles. The results revealed notable variability across the samples, especially in ash, lipid, crude fiber, and carbohydrate contents. Moisture and protein levels, however, were relatively consistent and displayed near-normal distributions, which is advantageous for processing and storage stability. The statistical analysis uncovered significant relationships among the proximate components. A strong positive correlation (r=0.85) was found between protein and lipid contents, indicating that higher protein levels tend to be associated with higher lipid levels, possibly due to similar raw ingredient sources or formulation practices. Conversely, an inverse relationship was observed between crude fiber and carbohydrate contents (r=-0.78), suggesting that as fiber content increases, carbohydrate levels decrease substantially. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) results confirmed significant differences in lipid and carbohydrate contents among the samples, highlighting the diverse nutritional profiles based on source and formulation. Regression models further supported these findings, revealing that increasing lipid and ash contents could positively influence protein levels, while reducing fiber could enhance carbohydrate content. The findings suggest that biotechnologically formulated feeds derived from agricultural waste have considerable potential as sustainable, cost-effective alternatives to imported feeds. These formulations can be optimized through fermentation, microbial enrichment, and standardization to ensure consistent nutrient levels. The study recommends scaling up these biotechnological processes, implementing standardization measures, and encouraging policy support to promote the adoption of such feeds. Ultimately, these strategies can help reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported feeds, enhance livestock and aquaculture productivity, and promote climate-smart, sustainable animal feeding practices across the country.