Effects of Garlic (Allium sativum) on Growth and Haematological Parameters in African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) Juveniles

Abstract

Fishes are most abundant aquatic vertebrates; they are being consumed by humans as protein supplements and as well serve as raw materials in drugs industries and source of foreign exchange. Juveniles Clarias gariepinus were sourced from ABU Institute of Agriculture Mando, Zaria Kaduna State and acclimatized for two weeks and fed 4mm Bluecrown feed containing 45% crude protein diet at 3% body weight twice daily at 12hours interval. Feed was formulated with garlic extract in to five groups; A (0.0g/kg), B (0.5g/kg), C (1.0g/kg), D (2.0g/kg) and E (5.0g/kg) diet. Fishes were grouped into five (triplicates) and feed different diets. Fish fed with 0.5g/kg garlic mixture supplemented diet increases significantly in growth when compared with the control groups and those other groups fed with 1.0 g/kg, 2.0 g/kg and 5.0 g/kg Garlic supplement. Similarly, among dietary groups, food conversion ratio (FCR) improved significantly (p < 0.05) in fish fed with 1.0 g/kg and 0.5 g/kg Garlic supplemented diet when compared with those fed with D (2.0 g/kg), D (5.0 g/kg) and control (0.0 g/kg). Percentage weight gain, mean weight and survival rate decreases as garlic supplements in the diets increases. Differences observed in packed cell volume (PCV) and White blood cell (WBC) were significantly high in 0.5g/kg garlic supplemented groups (PCV 33% and WBC 23.1 x10³µL^-1) when compared with the control group (PCV 27% and WBC 19.1 x10³µL^-1) and other groups with higher garlic supplements. Overall, fish fed with 0.5 g/kg garlic mixture extracts had improved haematological indices when compared with those fed with higher concentrations and control group. The study concluded that, 0.5g/kg level of garlic could effectively improve the growth performance, healthier and survival rate of Clarias gariepinus. This study was conducted to evaluate the dietary effects of garlic on growth and haematological parameters of Clarias gariepinus.