Possible inclusion of fish waste (scales and fins) in the diet of fishes in aquaculture

The scales and fins of some freshwater fish species (Sarotherodon galilaeus, Oreochromis niloticus, Tilapia zillii, Barbus callipterus, Hemichromis fasciatus) from Kainji Lake, Nigeria were analyzed for their organic and inorganic matter. The aim of such study is to determine the usefulness of these waste parts of the fish in fish feed preparation. In all instances, the inorganic matter was found to be quite high in the fish exoskeleton, and calcium formed the highest element in the scales and the fins. These waste materials are therefore, considered as possible replacement for mineral sources in fish feed and probably the feed for other livestock