Impact on Growth and Nutrient Utilization on Health and Hematological Effects of Cassia tora (L) on Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1882)

Abstract

The African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) is the most cultivated species with desirable characteristics. The hematological parameters change in C. gariepinus fed varying inclusion of Cassia tora (leaf and seeds) meals. The aim of this study was to determine the impact on growth and nutrient utilization on health and hematological effects of Cassia tora (L) on Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1882). C. tora leaves and seeds were washed, shed dried, and ground with mortar and pestle into powder. The ingredients were ground into powder, weighed, and mixed thoroughly with the addition of warm water to make a dough and pellet using form pellet. Clarias gariepinus juveniles were acclimatized to experimental conditions for 7 days prior to the feeding trials. A group of catfish with an average body weight of 4.3 g and standard length of 6.41 cm were stocked in 15 aquariums comprising 20L capacity circular tanks. The results showed that there is a significant difference in RBC, with the seed meal having the highest values. There were no significant differences in WBC. The PCV was within the minimum required standard; there was significance in MCH, MCV, HB, and MCHC. The highest values of HB and MCHC were obtained in Clarias gariepinus fed leaf and seed meals. However, there was mild stress placed on the health of the catfish even when fed at high percentage levels of inclusion (100%). Therefore, the inclusion level of (25%) of C. tora (leaf and seed meals) was
recommended in the feed formulation using C. tora.