Organosomatic Indices and Histopathological Response of Clarias gariepinus Fed Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) Meal Diets

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of different dosages of Hibiscus sabdariffa meal diets on the organosomatic indices and histopathology of organs (n=20) of juvenile Clarias gariepinus with initial mean weight and length: 10.94±0.02g and 10.28±0.04cm, that were stocked in triplicates per treatments, fed twice daily at 5% body weight, for 12 weeks. Six isonitrogenous diets containing 40% Crude Proteinwere formulated and coded as HSM1 (Control), HSM2, HSM3, HSM4, HSM5 and HSM6 respectively. Organosomatic indices such as cardiosomatic index (CSI), Hepato-somatic index (HIS), Renal somatic index (RSI), Visceral somatic index (VSI), Cerebro-somatic index and Fat deposit index (FDI) of the fish were measured using standard methods. Histopathological examinations of the organs were carried out following routine laboratory techniques. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The result revealed asignificant differences in all the orgaosomatic indices except VSI within the treatments andcontrol. The histopathological examinations of the liver of C. gariepinus revealed a gradual changes from mild to moderate and severe diffuse hepatic vacuolar degenerations as the concentrations of H. sabdariffa meal diets increased. The intestine showed a mild stunted gastric villi in fish fed HSM4 diet which had the highest growth data not shown. The study revealed that the consumption of unnecessarily high dose of H. sabdariffa for a long period should be taken with caution, despite the improved growth performance observed. Further studies on the effect of processing cum detoxification of the Roselle in fish as an animal model should be undertaken.