Growth and Physiological responses of Juvenile African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) Fed with Dietary Supplementation of Garlic-Ginger Mixture

Abstract

A-84-days study was conducted to evaluate the growth and physiological responses of juvenile Clarias gariepinus fed diets supplemented with garlic-ginger mixture. The garlic-ginger mixture was included in a base diet at 0%, 1%, 2%, and 3%; corresponding to treatments D0 or control, D1, D2 and D3. A total of 120 juveniles (46.55±3.66g) were randomly distributed in triplicate to 12 plastic tanks and fed three times daily with biweekly intermediate sampling. The results indicate that D2 fed fish had the most impressive weight gain (WG) of 218.74±6.42g and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of 1.55±0.05, compared to the control (WG=99.53±0.03g, FCR=2.45±0.18). Furthermore, D2 treatment induced significant improvements in whole body bromatological composition, nutrient retention, organosomatic indexes, and serum biochemical profile in fish compared to control. The growth improvement observed could be due to the combined action of the bioactive components of ginger and garlic to enhance the functioning of the organs of the digestive system as well as the homeostasis balance of the body. Therefore, garlic and ginger can be used as a feed additive to enhance the production of African catfish.