Solar Versus Sun Drying of Mixed-Species Fish Waste: Effects on the Nutrient Composition of Fish Meal

This study investigated the nutrient composition of fish meal produced from locally collected fish waste (a mixture of species) using two methods: a solar drier and open sun drying. The resulting meals were compared with Imported Fish Meal (IFM) and a locally produced Commercial Plant Fish Meal (CPFM). Moisture and protein content differed significantly (p<0.05) among the solar-drier, sun-dried, IFM, and CPFM samples. Ash content was significantly different (p<0.05) between CPFM and IFM but did not differ significantly between the solar-drier and open sun-dried samples. Fat content was significantly higher (p<0.05) in CPFM (12.82%) than in the open sun-dried, solar-drier, and IFM samples. Energy content also varied significantly among all sample types. Overall, fish meal produced using the solar dryer was superior to the open sun-dried meal in terms of protein, fat, ash, moisture, and energy content. Comparison with IFM and CPFM indicated that solar-dried fish meal is an acceptable protein source for poultry feed formulation. However, its inclusion in feed requires caution due to its higher ash content, which may affect the protein efficiency ratio in chicks.