International Journal of Fisheries and Aquaculture Research

Vol.6, No.1, pp.10-23, February 2020

Published by ECRTD-UK
ISSN: ISSN 2397-7507, Online ISSN: ISSN 2397-776
GROWTH AND HAEMATOLOGICAL RESPONSES OF CLARIAS GARIEPINUS
JUVENILES FED DIETS CONTAINING VARYING DIGESTIBLE LIPIDS OF PLANT
ORIGIN
1Adebayo, I.A., 1Akin-Obasola, B.J., and 1Abe, B.A.
1
Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Management, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences,
Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria.
Email address: [email protected]

ABSTRACT: This study was conducted to evaluate the growth and hematological responses of
Clarias gariepinus juveniles fed diets containing different digestible lipids of plant origin. One
hundred and eighty (180) juveniles (4.78±0.37g) were stocked using four treatments in three
replicates. The experiment lasted for 10 weeks. Fish were fed at 5% body weight with four
isonitrogenous diets (40% crude protein), with control diet without lipid supplement (D 1). Diets (D2-
D4) contained Soya oil, palm kernel oil and groundnut oil respectively. Weight gain (WG), feed
conversion ratio (FCR), protein efficiency ratio (PER) and specific growth rate (SGR) showed
significant difference (p<0.05) among treatments. However, the highest WG was recorded in D 4
(10.69±0.97g) and lowest in fish fed D1 (9.91±0.35g). FCR ranged between 1.69±0.17 in D2 and
1.52±0.67 in D4 respectively. Protein utilization showed no significant difference (P>0.05) in all
treatments. There were significant differences (P<0.05) among hematological parameters analyzed
such as PCV, WBC, RBC, Hb, MCHC, MCH, MCV. The highest cholesterol level was recorded in fish
fed D4 (1.67±0.81), while the lowest value was recorded in D1 (1.10±0.80). Triglyceride was highest
in D3 (1.40±0.45) while the lowest value was recorded in the control D1 (1.20±0.45) with no lipid
inclusion. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in the HDL and LDL value in all treatments.
Hence, all hematological indices fall in the required range for Clarias gariepinus.
KEYWORDS: growth, haematological responses, clarias gariepinus, juveniles, digestible lipids,
plant origin.

INTRODUCTION

Food is a major requirement for all living organisms including fish for growth, reproduction and body
maintenance (Al-Ogaily et al, 1996). In fish culture systems, the importance of feed cannot be over
emphasized, since feed is the most expensive input in terms of cost in fish production. Nutritional
requirement of fish is necessary in order to formulate an economical and nutritionally balanced diet
for the fish (Solomon et al. 2012). To sustain fish under culture, supplementary diet must be provided
to complement natural feeds supply (Karapan Agbottidis, 2002). Feed stuffs used in aquaculture to
provide basic nutrients such as protein, carbohydrate, minerals, water, vitamins and lipids are
expensive because of their competitive uses by man and other animals (Dunham et al., 2001).
However, Carbohydrates (starch and sugars) are the most economical and inexpensive sources of
energy for fish diets. Although not essential due to little energy requirement in fish, it is included to
reduce feed cost and for their binding activity during feed manufacturing. Dietary starches are useful
in the extrusion manufacture of floating feeds. Proteins are formed by linkage of individual amino
acids. Protein on the other hand is the most expensive part of a fish feed which makes it important to
accurately determine the protein requirements for each species and size of cultured fish. Vitamins are
organic compounds necessary in the diet for normal fish growth and health. They often are not

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 International Journal of Fisheries and Aquaculture Research
Vol.6, No.1, pp.10-23, February 2020
Published by ECRTD-UK
ISSN: ISSN 2397-7507, Online ISSN: ISSN 2397-776
synthesized by fish, and must be supplied in the diet, while Minerals are inorganic elements necessary
in the diets for normal body functions.

Worldwide, natural vegetable or plant oil sources and fat are increasingly becoming important in
nutrition and commercial feed production because of possession of high dietary energy, essential fatty
acids, biofuels, anti-oxidants and raw-material for the manufacture of industrial products. (Okullo et
al., 2010). Previous research have focused attention on the use of oil seeds such as groundnut oil,
benniseed (sesame), shea butter oil, cotton seeds and palm oil as suitable substitutes in the diet of warm
water fish species (Legendre et al., 1995; Ng et al., 2000; Ng et al., 2003; Ochang et al., 2007; Yusuf
et al 2009; Aderolu and Akinremi, 2009; Solomon et al., 2012) and reported positive result.

Lipids are highly digestible source of concentrated energy and contain about 2.25 times as much energy
as equivalent amount of carbohydrates (Robinson et al., 2001) and proteins (Sotolu, 2010). Lipids
comprise about 15% fish diet and supply essential fatty acid (EFA) as well as serves as transport for
fat soluble vitamins (Lim et al., 2001). It can be utilized to spare protein in aquaculture feeds (Craig,
2009). The protein sparing effect of lipids has been shown to be effective in several fish species
(Solomon et al 2012). Lipids serve as important source of dietary energy for all fish. (Solomon et
al.,2012). Studies have shown that providing energy using dietary lipids in fish diets minimizes the
use of protein which is more expensive as energy source (Solomon et al., 2012). The use of vegetable
oil is cost effective in fish diets since fish oil is costly due to its high demand for both human and
livestock’s need (Adebayo, 2017). Although Clarias gariepinus can utilize carbohydrates efficiently,
lipids are considered as important energy sources in catfish diets (Steffens, 1996). Carbohydrates
improve the pelleting quality and nutrients value of diets while lipids play important physiological
roles in providing energy, essential fatty acids and fat soluble nutrients for normal growth and
development in fish (Lovell, 1998)

Although, increasing dietary lipids can lead to excessive fat deposition in the liver which can affect
the health of fish and reduce market quality (Craig, 2009).Feed composition affects its utilization by
fish and consequently the growth of fish (Adebayo, 2017). Diets containing high levels of lipids may
affect fish growth negatively. It results to an imbalance of digestible energy to protein ratio in diets
which may reduce feed consumption and poor utilization of feed stuff (Solomon et al 2012). On the
other hand, fat-deficient diets may result in growth retardation and physiological disorders (De-Silva
and Anderson, 1998). It is therefore important to get the proper lipid-energy ratio in diets for fish.

Clarias gariepinus (African catfish) is one of the most important fish species cultured in Nigeria. The
Juveniles of this fish are widely produced in Nigeria (FAO, 2003). The species has shown considerable
potential for use in intensive aquaculture because of its omnivorous feeding habit which allows them
to feed on wide range of food materials, for example general supplemental feeds are obtained from
Agricultural by-products (e.g. oil cakes, brans etc.) industrial residues (e.g. brewers wastes) animal
by-products (e.g. blood meal, maggot meal etc.) and wastes (e.g. poultry droppings etc.). The most
commonly practiced feed supplementation is the dispensation of ground feedstuff such as cereals brans
and domestic left-over/kitchen waste to feed fish. Though these are known to enhance growth they
may not be complete or balanced. Fishes fed on incomplete feeds will suffer deficiency diseases or
symptoms attributable to lack of ingredients. Balanced/complete diets are formulated by combination
of different essential nutrients in different proportions (Protein, Carbohydrate, lipids, Vitamins.
Minerals) (De-Silva and Anderson, 1998).

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 International Journal of Fisheries and Aquaculture Research
Vol.6, No.1, pp.10-23, February 2020
Published by ECRTD-UK
ISSN: ISSN 2397-7507, Online ISSN: ISSN 2397-776
Complete count of blood indices and plasma chemistry profile in haematology are important diagnostic
tool for monitoring health status, detecting illness and following the progress of disease and response
to therapy most especially, response to treatment after a feeding trial in fishes (Clauss, et al 2008).

Anti-oxidants is used in general sense to refer to any type of chemical agent which inhibits attack by
oxygen or ozone (Emmanuel et al., 2008). Most digestible lipids in feeds tend to encounter the
problem of rancidity. This is a natural process of decomposition of fat by either hydrolysis or oxidation.
The process of degradation converts fatty acids esters of oils into free fatty acids. This gives rise to an
unpleasant odour and taste in food. These lipids degrade to the point of becoming either unpalatable
or unhealthy to ingest (Saeed and Howell, 2002).

This research is designed to evaluate the growth performance of Clarias gariepinus juveniles fed with
all-plant digestible lipids, and the effect on the hematology of the fish. The amount of non-
carbohydrate energy source in fish diet is one of the factors influencing carbohydrate inclusion in feed
formulation. Non-carbohydrate energy source such as plant source digestible lipids may be utilized as
an energy source in fish diets where the carbohydrates energy ingredients such as maize are not readily
available. From the nutritional point of view the use of protein as energy source is costly. It seems
worthwhile to supply the required energy as possible as lipids rather than protein, and by reducing the
proportion of protein in the diet. The reduction in the dietary protein requirement by increasing the
level of dietary non protein energy is called protein sparing effect. The optimum level of dietary protein
can be reduced with the inclusion of higher lipid in diets. However, the type and level of lipid in the
diet are important factors to consider thereby avoiding undesirable high lipid inclusion in the fish diets,
hence, the relevance of this paper which will be achieved with the objectives of determining the
response of Clarias gariepinus juvenile raised on different digestible lipids from plant sources,
supplemented with anti-oxidant on growth and haematological indices.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Experimental procedure
The experimental study was conducted at the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture management
research farm under the Faculty of Agricultural sciences, Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State,
Nigeria. Prior to the commencement of the experiment, 180 juveniles of Clarias gariepinus juveniles
of average initial mean weight of 4.82±0.28 were procured from Kay Fish Farm in Ado-Ekiti, the fish
juveniles were acclimatized in transparent plastics for a period of two weeks at the experimental site.
During acclimatization, the fish were fed with 1.5mm Durante feed. The fish was randomly stocked at
the rate of 15 per tank in three replicates according to the number of diets including the control. The
experiment lasted for 10 weeks.

Experimental Diets
The dietary ingredients for the experiment include fishmeal, soybean meal, maize, vitamin Premix,
mineral premix, salt and vitamin E (antioxidant). Four different diets were compounded, each
containing at least one plant-source digestible lipid except the control, the various digestible lipids for
each treatment includes; groundnut oil, soy oil and palm kernel oil. The gross composition of the
experimental diets is shown in Table 1. All the diets contain the same proportion of feed ingredients
except that each diet contains different plant-source oils. The diets were all isonitrogenous (40%CP).
In preparing the diet the two protein sources was included in the ratio of 2:1. Dry ingredients were
ground to a powdery form to aid assimilation by fish using a gasolin driven grinding machine in Ado
Ekiti. The diets were thoroughly mixed with each digestible lipid, Vitamin E antioxidant was added to
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 International Journal of Fisheries and Aquaculture Research
Vol.6, No.1, pp.10-23, February 2020
Published by ECRTD-UK
ISSN: ISSN 2397-7507, Online ISSN: ISSN 2397-776
the feed at 400ppm i.e. 400mg/kg. The dough was pelleted using a locally fabricated pelleting machine
with a 2.0mm die. Diets were immediately sun dried and later broken mechanically into small sizes
and
INGREDIENTS DIETS packed
D1 D2 D3 D4 in a
FISH MEAL(FM) 28.39 18.39 18.39 18.39
SOY BEAN MEAL 36.77 36.77 36.77 36.77
YELLOW CORN 30.34 30.34 30.34 30.34
GROUNDNUT OIL -------- 10 ------- -------
PALM KERNEL OIL -------- ------- 10 -------
SOY OIL -------- ------ ------ 10
VITAMIN PREMIX 2 2 2 2
MINERAL PREMIX 2 2 2 2
SALT 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
TOTAL 100 100 100 100

labelled air tight containers. Each diet was formulated to last for three (3) months to maintain good
quality.
Table 1: Gross composition of experimental diets fed to Clarias gariepinus (%)

Fish were fed to satiation twice daily in two equal installments between 08:00 -10:00 and 16:00 –
18:00 for 70 days while the weights of the experimental fish were measured bi-weekly to calculate
their response using Electronic scale (kerro blc20001). Water was monitored closely and changed
every other day to allow freshness and to maintain good water quality for the period experiment lasted.
Left over feed was siphoned out on daily basis to reduce water pollution. PH values of the water during
feeding were measured directly by electronic PH meter by dipping the electrode into each tanks.
Dissolved oxygen was measured using a standardized YSI Do meter (YSI model). Temperature was
measured using thermometer calibrated from 0oC – 110oC on daily basis. This was done by gently
immersing the thermometer into the water at vertical position and left for about 2-5 minutes. It was
quickly moved near the surface of the water and read.

Growth and nutrient utilization parameters

Growth performance and feed conversion were measured in terms of final individual fish weight,
Specific Growth Rate (SGR), Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR), Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER), and Net
Protein Utilization (NPU). Growth response was calculated;

Growth and nutrient utilization parameters

SGR (%) = (Log Wt –Log Wi) × 100

T 1
Where Wt is the final weight of the fish at time (t), Wi is initial weight of the fish at time 0, and T is
the culture period in days.

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 International Journal of Fisheries and Aquaculture Research
Vol.6, No.1, pp.10-23, February 2020
Published by ECRTD-UK
ISSN: ISSN 2397-7507, Online ISSN: ISSN 2397-776
FCR (%) = Total dry feed fed (g)
Total weight gain (g)

PER (%) = Net weight gain (g)

Amount of protein fed (g)
NPU (%) = Protein gain × 100
Protein consumed (AOAC, 2005)

Chemical analysis
Samples of the experimental diets, fish carcass (before and after the experiment) in all the treatments
were analyzed for proximate composition parameters namely: moisture content, crude protein, crude
fat, crude fiber, ash, and carbohydrate according to the method of AOAC (2005).

Statistical analysis
Data obtained (Mean Weight Gain, SGR, FCR, PER, and NPU) from the feeding trial and
haematological result obtained were subjected to one way Analysis of variance (ANOVA) using SPSS.
Differences in significant means were separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test at 5% level of
probability.

Haematological Analysis
5-10ml blood samples were collected from cardiac puncture using 2ml disposable heparinized syringe
treated with EDTA as anti-coagulant.

Blood cell count

Haematocytometer was used in blood cell count. The blood diluting fluid was prepared as Svobodova
et al. (1991). The blood cells were counted on the counting chamber of haemocytomter with the aid of
compound microscope:

RBC= No of cells counted ×3×10×200 (106mm3)

Haemoglobin estimation:
Haemoglobinometer was used for haemoglobin estimation based on acid haematin method (SAHLI).

Packed cell volume (PCV):

The packed cell volume was measured after placing sealed micro-haematocrit tube in a centrifuge at
10,500 rpm using micro-haemtocrit reader and expressed as percentage.

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR):

ESR was determined the procedures of Svobodova et al (1991). The volume of ESR with the given
time interval is the difference between 100% and the percentage part presented by the corpuscle
volume.

Mean corpuscular volume (MCV):

MCV was calculated from the haematocrit value (PCV, % and the Erythrocyte count (Er mm3)

Mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin

(MCH):

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 International Journal of Fisheries and Aquaculture Research
Vol.6, No.1, pp.10-23, February 2020
Published by ECRTD-UK
ISSN: ISSN 2397-7507, Online ISSN: ISSN 2397-776
MCHC and MCH were calculated according to the formulae given by Dacie and Lewis (2001).

To calculate the MCHC, expressed as gram of haemoglobin per 100ml packed cell

MCHC = Haemoglobin (g/100ml) × 100

Haematocrit (%)

To calculate the MCV, expressed in femtolitres (fl or 10-15L)

MCV = Haemocrit (%) × 10

RBC count (millions/L blood)

To calculate the MCH, expressed in pictograms (pg)

MCH = Haemoglobin (g/100ml) × 10

RBC count (millions/L blood)

Cholesterol and triglyceride test:

Cholesterol and Triglycerides was also determined using enzymatic colometric test.

RESULTS

Proximate composition of experimental diets

The proximate composition of Experimental diets fed to C. gariepinus juveniles are presented in Table
2. Moisture content of the experimental diets ranged between 6.35% in D1 and 8.14% in D3.The Lipid
content ranged between 11.93% in D1 and 20.71% in D2 while the ash content ranged between 6.20%
in D4 and D3 (7.20%). Protein content was within the formulated 40% CP diets, and ranged between
approximately 40.38% in D4 to 40.86% in D3. Crude fibre value was highest in D2 (2.24%) and lowest
in D1 (4.12%).

Table 2: Proximate composition of experimental diets (%)

Parameters Diets
D1 D2 D3 D4
Moisture 6.35 7.54 8.14 7.62
Ash 6.50 7.20 7.30 6.90
Crude fibre 4.12 2.83 2.24 3.37
Crude Protein 41.65 41.36 40.86 40.38
Lipid content 12.93 19.51 18.10 19.09
NFE 28.55 21.24 23.36 22.64
TOTAL 100 100 100 100
NFE, Nitrogen Free Extract

Water Quality Parameters

Water quality parameters in the experimental tanks during the experimental period are presented in
Table 3. The values observed were within the tolerant range of C. gariepinus. The pH was between 6.5
-7.8; Dissolved Oxygen ranged between 5.60mg/l – 6.54mg/l and Temperature 250C – 260C.
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Published by ECRTD-UK
ISSN: ISSN 2397-7507, Online ISSN: ISSN 2397-776

Table 3: Range values for physico-chemical parameters during the experimental period
Treatments TOC pH DO (mg/l)
D1 25±0.50 7.0±0.15 5.9±0.05
D2 25±0.60 7.0±0.00 5.8±0.09
D3 25±0.70 7.0±0.15 5.7±0.03
D4 25±0.00 7.0±0.30 5.7±0.05
Key: TOC= Temperature, DO= Dissolved Oxygen

Growth parameters of Clarias gariepinus fed with different experimental diets

From the result in table 4, there was no significant difference (P>0.05) in the Initial Body Weight in
all treatments. Treatment fed D1 and D2 also showed no significant difference (P>0.05) in Weight
Gain. Treatment fed D3 and D4 also showed no significant difference (P>0.05) but D1 and D2
(9.91±0.35and 9.93±0.70 respectively) showed significant difference (P<0.05) compared D3 and D4
(10.43±0.82and 10.69±0.97 respectively). Feed conversion ratio showed a significant difference
(P<0.05) in the treatments which value was highest in treatment fed D2 (1.69±0.17) and lowest in
treatment fed D4 (1.52±0.67). D4 and D3 shared a close FCR margin which is not significantly
different (P>0.05) from each other. Protein Efficiency Ratio showed no significant difference (P>0.05)
in all treatment fed diets, the highest value was recorded in D4 (0.43±0.88) and lowest in treatment fed
D1 (0.40±0.50). The specific growth rate value was significantly different in all treatments (P<0.05)
except in D3 and D4 which are not significantly different (P>0.05) where the highest SGR value
(1.70±0.46 and 1.70±0.70) was recorded and the lowest value was recorded in D2.

Table 4: Growth parameters of Clarias gariepinus fed diets with different experimental diets
Parameters Diets
D1 D2 D3 D4
IBW 4.40±0.33 4.78±0.37 4.58±0.41 4.65±0.46

FBW 14.31±0.28c 14.71±0.34b 14.98±0.59b 15.35±0.92a

WG 9.91±0.35b 9.93±0.70b 10.43±0.82a 10.69±0.97a

FCR 1.56±0.43b 1.69±0.17a 1.54±0.50c 1.52±0.67c

PER 0.40±0.50a 0.40±0.59a 0.41±0.37a 0.43±0.88a

SGR 1.69±0.45b 1.61±0.59c 1.70±0.46a 1.70±0.70a

IBW, Initial Body Weight; FBW, Final Body Weight; WG, Weight Gained; FCR, Feed Conversion
Ratio; PER, Protein Efficiency Ratio; SGR, Specific Growth Ratio.
**Different alphabets in the same row show significance difference at p<0.05

Carcass composition of experimental fish before and after feeding trial

The initial and final whole body composition of experimental fish is presented in Table 5. Moisture
content was not significantly different (P>0.05) in all treatments. Compared to the initial value which
was 6.26±0.11, it was observed that fish fed D3 had the highest moisture content (6.43±0.15) which
was closely followed by fish fed D1 (6.33±0.12) while the lowest value was observed in fish fed D2
(6.18±0.04). However, D4 recorded the highest Crude protein (63.52±1.35) while the lowest in fish
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 International Journal of Fisheries and Aquaculture Research
Vol.6, No.1, pp.10-23, February 2020
Published by ECRTD-UK
ISSN: ISSN 2397-7507, Online ISSN: ISSN 2397-776
fed D3 (61.48±0.13). The Ether Extract was recorded with the highest value in treatment fed D4
(6.99±0.04) and lowest in treatment fed D1 (4.89±0.46). Ash content was significantly different all
treatments (P>0.05) with value which ranged 6.16±0.20 in D3 and 5.81±0.06 in D1 which is slightly
higher than the initial value before feeding trial.

Table 5: Carcass composition of experimental fish before and after feeding trial (%)

Parameters CP% EE% CF% %NFE %Ash %Moisture

content.

Initial 59.05±0.49d 5.29c±0.12c 0.03±0.01 23.86±0.47a 5.49±0.01e 6.28±0.11

D1 61.99±0.16b 4.89±0.46c 0.03±0.01 20.96±0.11b 5.81±0.06c 6.33±0.12

D2 61.47±0.12c 5.91±0.04b 0.06±0.01 20.40±0.36c 5.72±0.21d 5.96±0.04

D3 61.48±0.13c 6.30±0.35b 0.06±0.04 19.62±0.09d 6.16±0.20a 6.43±0.15

D4 63.52±1.35a 6.99±0.04a 0.06±0.04 18.37±0.17d 5.89±0.07b 6.18±0.04

CP, Crude protein; EE, Ether extract, CF, Crude Fibre, NFE, Nitrogen Free Extract;
**Different alphabets in the same row show significance difference at p<0.05

Haematological parameters of Clarias gariepinus fed diets containing different levels of all-plant
digestible lipids.
Table 6 shows there was significant difference (P<0.05) observed for all haematological parameters
analyzed across the treatment fed diets. The highest cholesterol level was recorded in fish fed D4
(1.67±0.81), while the lowest value was recorded in the treatment control D1 (1.10±0.80). Triglyceride
was highest in D3 with palm kennel oil inclusion (1.40±0.45) while the lowest value was recorded in
the control D1 (1.20±0.45) with no lipid inclusion. There was significant difference (P<0.05) in the
HDL and LDL value in all treatments.

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Published by ECRTD-UK
ISSN: ISSN 2397-7507, Online ISSN: ISSN 2397-776
Table 6: Haematological parameters of Clarias gariepinus fed diets containing different plant
based digestible lipids.

Blood Parameters of Experimental treatments (Diets)

D1 D2 D3 D4
HB(g dl-1) 11.53±0.003d 11.05±0.018b 11.52±0.020a 10.03±0.006c
PCV (%) 34±0.069b 32±0.006d 31±0.007c 30±0.099a
RBC(x106/µl) 3.47±0.021b 3.6±0.007d 2.9±0.200c 2.8±.624a
MCV(fl) 98.67±0.224a 89±0.181b 106±0.082c 107±0.081d
MCH(pg) 33.42±0.122d 30.74±0.196c 39.62±0.487a 36.04±0.433b
MCHC(g l-1) 34.01±0.229c 34.57±0.865a 37.2±0.624b 33.51±0.209d
WBC(x103/µl) 3.1±0.059c 3.62±0.032d 3.5±0.099b 3.69±0.209a
TCH(Mmol/L) 1.10±0.80c 1.52±0.80b 1.66±0.80a 1.67±0.81a
TRI(Mmol/L) 1.20±0.45c 1.33±0.45b 1.40±0.45a 1.39±0.45a
HDL(Mmol/L) 0.13±0.80a 0.16±0.80a 0.15±0.80a 0.14±0.80a
LDL(Mmol/L) 0.40±0.38c 0.46±0.38c 0.32±0.38c 0.35±0.38c
Key: PCV (Packed cell volume); WBC (white blood cell); RBC (red blood cell); Hb (haemoglobin);
MCHC ( mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration); MCH (mean corpuscular haemoglobin);
MCV (mean corpuscular volume), TCH (total cholesterol), TRI-triglycerides, HDL ( high density
lipoprotein), LDL (low density lipoprotein), Mmol/L (mini mole per litre)×88.5 ≡ mg/dl.
**Different alphabets in the same row show significance difference at p<0.05

DISCUSSION

Use of plant lipid sources in the production of aqua-feed has been a welcome development for the
development of the aquaculture industry over decades (Sotolu 2010). Recent studies have revealed that
substantial use of vegetable oils as energy sources in fish diets have yielded positive growth response
in fish (Babalola and Adebayo 2007; Aderolu and Akinremi 2009).

The result of this study indicates that the juveniles of Clarias gariepinus fed the four lipid based diets
responded well to the diets in terms of growth and feed utilization as there was no significant difference
(P>0.05) in all growth parameters measured across the experimental diets. This result is similar to the
result reported by Sotolu (2010) for Clarias gariepinus fed fish oil, sesame seed oil, groundnut oil,
soybean oil and palm oil based diets, where all diets formulated were adequately consumed and SGR
was marginally different among the treatments. This agrees with the reported work of Al-owefeir and
Belal (1996), that diet fed Oreochromis niloticus containing groundnut oil were comparable in weight
gain to those fed palm oil diet and palm oil could replace Soya bean oil in the same vein without
negatively effecting fish growth and body composition. Rosenlund et al., 2001 and Bell et al., 2002.
The improvement in feed conversion ratio FCR with increasing high lipid level in both ingredients
tested is in agreement with other studies (Einen and Roem 1997; Weatherup et al. 1997; Pie et al.
2004). The decrease in protein efficiency ratio PER with increasing high lipid level in both ingredients
tested agreed with earlier studies, Peres and Oliva-Teles (1999) did not observe any protein sparing
effect of lipid when they fed European Zea bass on graded levels of dietary lipid. It could also be
inferred that the level of oil being tested is not enough to cause any protein sparing effect. Increased
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Vol.6, No.1, pp.10-23, February 2020
Published by ECRTD-UK
ISSN: ISSN 2397-7507, Online ISSN: ISSN 2397-776
PER could probably be that increased lipid level spared dietary protein conversion into energy (Chou
and Shiau, 1996). Lim et al. (2001) explained that there is a definite influence of a non-protein source
of energy (lipid or carbohydrate) on the nitrogen retention and that dietary lipid may also influence the
growth performance and protein utilization.

The proximate composition of the experimental diets is shown in Table 2. The protein content in
different diets varied according to their original formulation. The level of lipid, NFE and crude fibre
contents in different diets also varied due to variation in amount of ingredients included in diets for
keeping the protein and energy contents at desired levels. Water quality parameter values were within
the optimum recommended range for culture of Clarias gariepinus (Ajani et al., 2011).

Fish haematology is gaining increasing importance in fish culture because of its importance in
monitoring the health status of fish (Hrubec et al,. 2000). Haematological characteristics of most fish
have been studied with the aim of establishing normal value range and any deviation from it may
indicate a disturbance in the physiological process (Rainza-paiva et al., 2000).

. The values obtained in this experiment for both the PCV and Hb were within the normal ranges
recommended for Clarias gariepinus (Sunmonu, 2008 and Adedeji and Agbede, 2009). The
Haemaglobin values are much higher than those obtained by Subhadra et al. (2006) for the largemouth
bass with diets containing canola oil, chicken oil and menhaden fish oil, which ranged between 3.7-
3.9g dl. All the values recorded in this study were within the acceptable range of a healthy juvenile
catfish (Oyelese et al., 1999). The RBC count which ranged between 2.8 – 3.42 x106/mm3 is slightly
above the range of (2.3 - 2.9 x 106) and (1.5 x 106/mm3) described for catfish Adeyemo et al. (2003).
The value obtained was below the value of 3.50 ± 0.35 x 106/µl reported when ethanoic extracts of
Garcinia kola seeds were fed to Clarias gariepinus broodstock by Dada and Ikuerowo (2009). The
haemoglobin concentration ranged between 10.03-11.53g/dl. These values were slightly above the
highest value of 9.60g/100ml recorded by Omitoyin (2007 ) for African catfish juvenile fed poultry
litter and 10.62g/100ml reported by Osuigwe et al. (2005) who fed Clarias gariepinus with Jackbean
meal based diets but in agreement with findings of Adeyemo et al. (2003). The packed cell volume
(PVC) was highest in the control group (34%) while the least value of 38.0% was recorded in catfish
group fed Tigernut at 75% dietary inclusion (P>0.05). These values were above 36.0% reported by
Adeyemo et al. (2003). Nevertheless, the mean cell haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) reported in
this study which ranged between 33-37% is similar to the value of 33.97% recorded by Adeyemo et al
(2003) for African catfish This may be due to age of the fishes that greatly influence value of blood
profile and haematological indices.

Cholesterol is the most important sterol occurring in animal fats. It is equally distributed between
plasma and red blood cells, but in adrenal cortex, it occurs in the esterified form. The cholesterol occurs
as white or faintly yellow almost odorless granules. A rise in cholesterol typically accompanies the
inflammatory response and it serves to protect the nerve and brain against exposure to fat-soluble
toxins and heavy metals. A triglyceride (TG, triacylglycerol, or TAG, triacylglyceride) is an ester
derived from glycerol and three fatty acids. Triglycerides are blood lipids that helps enable the
bidirectional transference of adipose fat and blood glucose from the liver. There are many triglycerides:
depending on the oil source, some are highly unsaturated, some less. Triglycerides are formed by
combining glycerol with three molecules of fatty acid. Triglycerides, as major components of Very
Low Density Lipo-Protein (VLDL) and chylomicrons, play an important role in metabolism, as energy
sources and transporters of dietary fat. The increase in plasma triglycerides is likely due to a decrease
in lipoprotein lipase activity (key enzyme in triglyceride hydrolysis). A significant increase in liver
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 International Journal of Fisheries and Aquaculture Research
Vol.6, No.1, pp.10-23, February 2020
Published by ECRTD-UK
ISSN: ISSN 2397-7507, Online ISSN: ISSN 2397-776
triglyceride level was also observed; this increase was attributed to increased triglyceride synthesis.
Lipid stores represent major energy reserves in fish, and during sexual maturation they are mobilized
and directed from previously stored tissue to gonads, in order to sustain their development (Yanik et
al 2005). Lipoproteins function in fish for lipid transport (Babin and Vernier, 1989).

The transport of lipids and other lipid-soluble components from the intestine to peripheral tissues is
predominantly mediated by lipoproteins (Babin and Vernier, 1989). Lipoproteins are classified
according to their density into: chylomicrons, Very Low Density Lipoprotein (VLDL), low density
lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL). In fish, it is not yet clearly understood, which route
the chylomicrons and VLDL take from the enterocytes (Turchini et al., 2009). LDL-cholesterol
transport cholesterol to the arteries where they can be retained in arterial proteoglycans leading to
formation of plaques. Thus, increase in LDL-cholesterol level has been associated with atherosclerosis,
heart-attack, stroke, peripheral vascular disease (Turchini et al., 2009). The results obtained shows that
values recorded for cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein and high density lipoprotein falls
in the normal range described by the National heart, lung, and blood institute of consumed sea food;
200-239 mg/dL(cholesterol), Triglycerides( 150 to 199 mg/dL (1.7 to 2.2 mmol/L), 76-129mg/DL
(LDL), Less than 40 mg/Dl (HDL). The cholesterol values recorded in this experiment are below the
values obtained by Aderolu and Akinremi (2009) who reported the dietary effects of coconut oil and
peanut oil on biochemical characteristics of Clarias gariepinus juvenile.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

Lipid is an important source of dietary energy for fish which have limited ability to utilize dietary
carbohydrate for energy. Hence, as demonstrated in the present study the inclusion of plant based lipids
sources is suitable for formulation of Clarias gariepinus diets. When all the required essential nutrients
are available in the diet, Clarias gariepinus will grow and survive well regardless of the lipid source
without any problem to the fish growth and health.

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