Pages: (66-81 )
Abstract
This study evaluated the growth performance and haematology of C. gariepinus fed A. boonei, S. mombin and M. lucida leaves extracts for 49 days. A total of 168 fingerlings were randomly allotted to seven treatment of twenty- four fish each at triplicate of eight fish per tank. The seven treatments are diet 1 (control, 0 mL), diet 2 (2mL A. boonei), diet 3 (4mL A. boonei), diet 4 (2mL S. mombin), diet 5 (4mL S. mombin), diet 6 (2mL M. lucida) and diet 7 (4mL M. lucida). Diets had no effects (p > 0.05) on mean weight gain, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio and protein efficiency ratio across treatments. However, fish fed diet 3 (4mL A. boonei) recorded the highest values for mean weight gain, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency ratio and the best value (1.22±0.23) for feed conversion ratio when compared with others. With the exception of MCV and MCHC, no significant differences (p>0.05) were recorded in the values of haematological indices across treatments. The results of this study showed that 4 mL A. boonei could be used to supplement the diet of C. gariepinus for optimal growth and improved health.
Keywords: Herbal extracts, Growth performance, Haematology, Catfish,