The effects of dietary garlic (Allium sativum) and Aloe vera crude extract mixtures supplementation on growth performance, feed utilization, hematological parameters, whole body composition, and survival at low pH in African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) juveniles

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of dietary Allium sativum and Aloe vera polysaccharides mixtures on growth performance, feed utilization, hematological parameters, resistance against low water pH, and whole body composition of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) juveniles. Fish were divided into 5 triplicate groups before being fed diets supplemented with 0% (control), 0.5%, 1.0%, 2.0% and 4.0% A. vera and A. sativum polysaccharides mixture /kg diet (1:1 proportion). Fish fed 1.0% and 0.5% A. vera-A. sativum mixture supplemented diet had a significant increase (P < 0.05) in growth compared to unsupplemented ones, and those fed 2.0% and 4.0%. Similarly, among dietary groups, feed utilization indices were significantly improved (P < 0.05) in fish fed 1.0% A. vera-A. sativum mixture supplemented diet when compared to unsupplemented ones, and those fed 2.0% and 4.0%. The optimum dietary A. vera-A. sativum mixture inclusion level was estimated to range between 0.66% and 0.8%. Overall, A. vera-A. sativum mixture extracts had improved hematological indices when compared to unsupplemented fish. Fish fed 1.0% A. vera-A. sativum mixture had the highest survival probability throughout the low water pH (5.0 – 57) challenge period. Moreover, fish fed diets supplemented with 1.0%, 2.0%, and 4.0% A. vera-A. sativum mixture had significantly lower lipid content (P < 0.05) among the various groups. To fully optimize these extracts as dietary supplement in aquaculture, further similar and extended studies are deemed important.