Growth performance, nutrient utilization, haematology and serum biochemistry of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) broodstock fed varying levels of Aspilia africana leaves-paste

Abstract

Dietary supplementation with phytobiotics is a promising area in fish nutrition towards promoting the growth and health status of cultured fish. This experiment was conducted to determine the effects of Aspilia africana leaves-paste (AAL) on the growth, haematology and serum biochemistry of Clarias gariepinus broodstock. Experiment was carried out in a 24 net-happa (0.6m x 1.07m x 1.2m) suspended in an earthen pond (30 m x 5 m x 1.2m). Forty-eight (7 months old fish, 24 males (0.80±0.04kg) and 24 females (0.70±0.03kg)) were stocked at two fish per net-happa under four treatments in six replicates in a completely randomized design. Four diets (40% crude protein) were formulated to contained: control (0%); AAL1 (0.5%); AAL2 (1%) and AAL3 (1.5%). Fish were fed ad libitum twice daily for 16 weeks. Data on all parameters were analyzed using ANOVA. The highest mean weight gain, MWG: 3.13±0.15kg and lowest feed conversion ratio, FCR: 1.30± 0.04 were recorded in broodstock fed 1.5% AAL3. The lowest MWG (1.27±0.03kg) and highest FCR: 1.72±0.03) were obtained in broodstock fed control diet. The lowest packed cell volume: 15.83 ± 0.17 % and haemoglobin: 5.25 ± 0.1 (g/dL) were recorded in fish fed 1% and 1.5% AAL. No significant differences in the total protein and creatinine values obtained between fish fed 1% and 1.5% AAL. The study recommended the dietary inclusion of 1.5% A. africana leaves-paste to effectively promote growth and nutrient utilization of cultured C. gariepinus broodstock