GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND SERUM BIOCHEMISTRY OF AFRICAN CATFISH (Clarias gariepinus) JUVENILES SUBJECTED TO SUB-LETHAL LEAD ACETATE EXPOSURE

Abstract

A 56-day study was designed to assess the effect of sub-lethal lead acetate exposure on the growth performance, and serum biochemistry and anti-oxidative status of African catfish. Forty-eight (48) juveniles catfish of similar age and weight were procured and used for the study in a completely randomized design.  The fish were randomly divided into 2 treatments of Control and Lead (Pb) acetate exposed (11.02mg/l) groups. At the end of the study, weight and length measurements were taken and blood samples were collected from the fish for studies of serum biochemistry and anti-oxidative status. The results showed a significant (p< 0.05) decrease in the final body weight (FBW), total weight gain (TWG), total feed intake (TFI), specific growth rate (SGR) and standard-length gain (SLG) in the Pb-group compared to the control. On the other hand, serum albumin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels significantly differed (p< 0.05) between the groups, while serum glucose, globulin, total protein, catalase, and malondialdehyde were not affected. The Pb-exposed group showed increased serum AST and SOD levels and decreased albumin and ALT levels compared to the control. It was concluded that exposure of catfish juveniles to sub-lethal lead acetate in water negatively affected growth performance, stimulated increased free radical generation, and caused liver damage.