Haematological and Histological Response of Clarias Gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) Fed Varied Inclusion Level of Defatted Groundnut Cake in Plant Protein Based Diet

Abstract

This Study Was Aimed At Determining The Haematological And Histological Effects Of Feeding Clarias Gariepinus (C. Gariepinus) Juveniles With Plant Protein-Based Diets With Varying Inclusion Of Defatted Groundnut Cake (DGNC). Fingerling's Fish (N=360), Weighing 6.88±0.20g Were Randomly Allocated To Six Diets Containing Varied Inclusion Of Defatted Groundnut Cake In The Formulated Basal Plant Protein-Based Diet With 0% (Control), 20% (DGNC 20%), 40% (DGNC 40%), 60% (DGNC 60%), 80% (DGNC 80%) And 100% (DGNC 100%) Inclusion Of Defatted Groundnut Cake. The Experiment Lasted For Eight Weeks. Significantly (P>0.05) Higher Weight Gain Value Of 143.61±94.91g Was Observed In DGNC 20%. Feed Conversion Ratio Had The Least (P>0.05) Value Of 1.78±0.85g In DGNC 20% Compare To Other Treatments. C. Gariepinus Had A Significantly Higher PVC Values Of 25.00% In Fish On DGNC 40% And Least In Control Diet. Fish Fed DGNC 40% Had A Significantly Higher WBC Values Of 57200±26972.39mm. Significantly Higher RBC (1.92±0.62í—1012/L) Was Observed In Fish Fed DGNC 40% And The Least Value (0.62±0.13í—1012/L) In DGNC 100%. Histological Examinations Of Fish Organs Like Liver, Gill And Kidney Showed Some Toxic Effects. These Toxic Effects Were Varied In Different Organs Ranging From Mild Lesions To More Marked Ones. Organs Of Fish Fed Above 20% Inclusion Level Of DGNC Were Mostly Affected. However, Defatted Groundnut Cake Has Good Potential As Feed Ingredient In The Substitution Of Soyabean Meal In The Diet Of C. Gariepinus. Substitution Of Defatted Groundnut Cake As A Replacement For Soyabean Meal Beyond 20% May Lead To Serious Nutritional And Health Hazard Of The Fish.