en aquaculture aquaculture پژوهشي Orginal research papers <span lang="TR" style="font-size:11.0pt"><span calibri="" style="font-family:"><span style="color:black">The sustainability and cost-effectiveness of aquafeeds are crucial research focus in the aquaculture industry. This study investigates Chaya leaf meal (CLM; <i>Cnidoscolus aconitifolius</i>) as an alternative to soybean meal (SBM) in climbing perch (<i>Anabas testudineus</i>) diet. Over a three-month feeding trial, three dietary modifications were tested, incorporating 0% (CLM 0, control group), 20% (CLM 20), and 40% (CLM 40) Chaya leaf meal. The growth performance parameters indicated no significant differences between the dietary groups (<i>p></i>0.05). However, 20% CLM diet led to significantly improved survival rates (<i>p<</i>0.05). Detailed analysis of organosomatic indices, body composition, fillet proximate composition, hematological, and blood chemical indices demonstrated overall consistency across experimental diets (<i>p></i>0.05), except for a notable variance in the crude lipid content. Likewise, digestive enzymes activity remained stable across the dietary groups. From an economic standpoint, 20% CLM diet exhibited a competitive profit index compared to the control, significantly outperforming 40% CLM diet (<i>p<</i>0.05). These findings support the viability of 20% CLM as a partial substitute for soybean meal in climbing perch diets, providing environmental and economic advantages. Nevertheless, additional research is essential to determine the optimal CLM inclusion level and understand its long-term impact on fish health and productivity.</span></span></span> Chaya leaf meal, Soybean meal, Climbing perch, Alternative protein sources 317 336 http://jifro.ir/browse.php?a_code=A-10-4833-1&slc_lang=en&sid=1 R. Panchan ruamruedee.p@msu.ac.th 100319475328460051325 100319475328460051325 Yes Division of Fisheries, Department of Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Technology, Mahasarakham University, Khamriang Sub - district, Kantarawichai, Maha Sarakham 44150, Thailand N. Sutthi nantaporn175sutthi@gmail.com 100319475328460051326 100319475328460051326 No Division of Fisheries, Department of Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Technology, Mahasarakham University, Khamriang Sub - district, Kantarawichai, Maha Sarakham 44150, Thailand S. Wigraiboon supranee.w@msu.ac.th 100319475328460051327 100319475328460051327 No Division of Fisheries, Department of Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Technology, Mahasarakham University, Khamriang Sub - district, Kantarawichai, Maha Sarakham 44150, Thailand E. Wangkahart eakapol.w@msu.ac.th 100319475328460051328 100319475328460051328 No Division of Fisheries, Department of Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Technology, Mahasarakham University, Khamriang Sub - district, Kantarawichai, Maha Sarakham 44150, Thailand P. Srinontong piyarat@msu.ac.th 100319475328460051329 100319475328460051329 No Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Mahasarakham University, Talat Sub - district, Mueang Maha sarakham, Maha Sarakham 44000, Thailand C. Thowanna chanawan.grape@gmail.com 100319475328460051330 100319475328460051330 No Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Rajabhat Maha Sarakham University, Talat Sub - district, Mueang Maha sarakham, Maha Sarakham 44150, Thailand W. Thumpala wanprasert_@hotmail.co.th 100319475328460051331 100319475328460051331 No Division of Animal Science, Department of Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Technology, Mahasarakham University, Khamriang Sub - district, Kantarawichai, Maha Sarakham 44150, Thailand E. Yotsakun ekkalak.y@msu.ac.th 100319475328460051332 100319475328460051332 No Division of Fisheries, Department of Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Technology, Mahasarakham University, Khamriang Sub - district, Kantarawichai, Maha Sarakham 44150, Thailand