Growth performance, haematology and histopathology of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) fed varying levels of Aloe barbadensis leaves

One hundred and twenty Clarias gariepinus fingerlings (2.33 ± 0.07 g) were fed with 40% crude protein diets containing three concentrations of Aloe barbadensis leaves-paste: ABL1, 1%; ABL2, 2%; ABL3, 3%, and control, 0% ad libitum twice daily for 12 weeks. Mean weight gain and percentage weight gain increased ( P < 0.05) as concentration of A . barbadensis increased. Survival rate decreased as concentration of paste increased. Differences ( P < 0.05) seen in packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb), and red blood cell (RBC), thus highest in ABL3: PCV (36.67 ± 0.89%), Hb (12.37 ± 0.37 g dl –1 ) and RBC (3.47 ± 0.08×10 6 L –1 ) and lowest in control: PCV (22.0 ± 0.58%), Hb (7.37 ± 0.20 g dl –1 ) and RBC (2.07 ± 0.06 ×10 6 L –1 ). Liver histology of control fish was normal, while fatty degenerations were seen in the treated fish. The histology of fish kidney was normal in all treatments. The study concluded that 1% A. barbadensis leaves-paste could effectively improve growth performance, nutrient utilization and survival of cultured C. gariepinus .