Haematological indices and some biochemical enzymes of Clarias gariepinus (Burchell 1822) fed diets containing Ageratum conyzoides leaf meal

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the effect of Ageratum conyzoides based diets on the haematology and some biochemical enzymes of Clarias gariepinus juveniles. Ninety fish were assigned to the three experimental diets in which A. conyzoides leaf meal replaced wheat bran at 0%, 50%, and 100% respectively at 30 fish per treatment which was further sub-divided into 3 replicates of ten fish each in a completely randomized design. Range of values for PCV are 20.07%-20.67%, and were not significantly different (P>0.05). A significant WBC value (4.70 ±0.20×10³mm³) was produced by 100% A. conyzoides leaf meal diet. RBC was significant (P> 0.05) at 50% and 100% A.conyzoides leaf meal diet over control. HB was similar in all treatments (Range 6.77 ±0.50 “ 6.90± 0.30). Lymph level in A. conyzoides based diets were significantly (P<0.05) different from the control fed fish. MCHC, MCH and MCV values were lower than the normal healthy Clarias gariepinus juveniles. ALT, AST values were quite low and do not suggest cellular damage. ALP is however higher in both control and the diets. Results indicate that with proper treatment of A. conyzoides leaf meal, it could be incorporated in fish feed at even 100% with good results.