Dietary effects of African walnut (Tetracarpidium conophorum) on the reproductive indices in male African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) broodstock

Abstract

The need for pro-fertility agents in fish with possible minimal side effects, availability, acceptability and affordability informed the evaluation of powder of Tetracarpidium conophorum seeds in male Clarias gariepinus brood stock because of its medicinal properties. Fifteen outdoor concrete tanks consisting of triplicates for each treatment group were used. Triplicate groups of male C. gariepinus (303.22±1.89 g body weight) were fed with four diets supplemented T. conophorum seed powder respectively, a control diet without T. conophorum seed powder 2 times a day at 3% of body weight for 70 days. Male C. gariepinus broodstocks (average individual weight, 303.22 ± 1.89 g) were randomly distributed with density of 10 fish into 15 outdoor concrete tanks. At the end of the 70-day experiment, gonado-somatic index and reproductive indices were determined. Fish fed experimental diets showed significantly improved gonado-somatic index and reproductive indices over the control treatment. Higher gonado-somatic index and reproductive indices were recorded for the fish fed diet of 200 mg kg^-1 T. conophorum seed powder compared to other experimental diets. The results indicated that supplement diets with medicinal plant (T. conophorum) enhanced growth and improved gonado-somatic index, and reproductive indices of male C. gariepinus broodstocks. T. conophorum have a potential pro-fertility property which can be exploited in fish seed production by hatchery operators.

Keywords: Medicinal plant, mudfish, gonado-somatic index, milt quality