Effect of Allium sativum on growth, feed utilization and haematological parameters of Clarias gariepinus juvenile

Abstract

Global wild fisheries are in decline, it is therefore important to domesticate fish production to meet the protein need of the society with the view to use natural herb to achieve sustainable production. The effect of different concentrations of garlic (Allium sativum) supplement in fish diet on growth and haematological parameters of Clarias gariepinus Juvenile was  investigated. Fifteen tanks were used and 10 Clarias gariepinus Juvenile with mean weight (51.41 ± 0.23) were separated into five experimental group. Diet T5 contain 0g Allium sativum (control diet) while other group contain 1.0g, 1.5g, 2.0g and 2.5g concentrations of garlic in diet and fed at 3% body weight per day . Result shows that Allium sativum  supplemented diets have significant effect on weight gain of C. gariepinus when compared to fish in the control diet. However, final fish weight was significantly (P<0.05) higher than the initial fish weight in all concentrations of garlic in fish diet and in the control. Fish fed with 1.5g of Allium sativum diet had higher weight gain than fish in the rest of the treatment groups and the controls. The RBC, PCV and Hb were however, significantly higher in fish fed 0g of garlic supplemented diets than other concentrations. Plasma protein was observed to increase significantly (P<0.05) only in fish fed 0g and 2.5g garlic in diet. All blood parameter obtained were between  the range of recommended fish blood. The values recorded for liver enzymes, the AST, ALT and ALP were within their normal range when  compared with the control except for treatment T4 with 2.5g of Allium sativum which had its AST, ALT and AST higher than its control at the end of 90days. Result shows that Allium sativum has no negative effect on fish when included in fish feed within the right concentration. Result also shows that fish blood electrolytes such as (Na, K, CL and HCO3) were within their normal range. Allium sativum inclusion in fish diet at (1.5g/kg)  concentration is therefore beneficial for use in aquaculture to enhance fish resistance to disease of C. gariepinus.

Keywords: Clarias gariepinus, Allium sativum, haematological parameters, hepatic enzymes