Potentials of Garcinia kola on the health status and maternal derived immunity of Clarias gariepinus fry

Abstract

Low hatchlings survival rate has continued to bedevil successful fish seed production. The present study evaluated the effects of bitter kola (Garcinia kola) seed powder on hatchability and survival of Clarias gariepinus larva. Powdered G. kola seed was incorporated into formulated diets (40% C.P.) at 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 g kg-1making a total of five dietary treatments. Two gravid catfish broodstock that weighed between 1013-1059 g were selected each from a pool of 10 fish per treatment fed the five test diets over a period of three months and conditioned for artificial fish seed production. Haematology, blood serum chemistry, hatchability and survival rate of C. gariepinus were determined and significant mean difference was separated at 0.05 probability level. Red blood cell, haemoglobin count and packed cell volume all improved from their initial values and glucose level and total protein all increased in all the treatment. Hatchability rate increased with increase in bitter kola seed inclusion while fry survival rate ranged from 29% in the control to 93% in diet 4 and could be attributed to the G. kola seed powder inclusion in the diet. The present study suggests that dietary G. kola seed powder improved growth, hatchability and survival rates of C. gariepinus larvae and could be exploited for mass fish seed production. Inclusion of bitter kola at 15 g kg-¹was best as health and survival rate of the fish larvae improved.