Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of T. catappa (TC), C. odorata (CO), and P. guajava (PG) leaf extracts as feed additive on growth, haematological and biochemical indices of African catfish, Clarias gariepinus juvenile. Fish were put under 10 treatments; 0 (control), 2, 4 and 6 ml for TC, CO and PG extracts for 6 weeks. The results showed that weight gain, specific growth rate (SGR) and relative growth rate (RGR) were significantly improved (p<0.05) by 6 ml TC. Also, total feed intake (TFI), protein intake (PI) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) showed significant differences (p<0.05), while diet 10 (6 ml TC) had the best value for feed conversion ration (FCR). There were no significant differences (p>0.05) in WBC, ESR,MCHC, neutrophil, leukocytes and haemoglobin across treatments. Also, no significant differences (P>0.05) in serum protein and albumin were observed however, significant decreased (p<0.05) was observed in cholesterol and triglyceride levels in blood serum. Significant reduction (p<0.05) in low density lipoprotein (LDL) activity was observed among the group of fish fed diet 10 (6 ml TC) whereas, no significant increase was observed in HDL. In addition, significant differences (p< 0.05) in the values of AST and ALT were recorded when treated diets were compared with the control group. Hence, inclusion of 6 ml T. catapa in the diet of catfish would enhance its growth and well-being.