Comparative study of the biochemical and hematological parameters of the African Catfish Clarias gariepinus fed Unical Aqua feed and Coppens feed.

Abstract

A comparative study of the biochemical and hematological parameters of African catfish, Clariasgariepinus fed Unical Aqua feed and Coppens commercial feed was conducted in concrete tanks for six months. A total of 50 post fingerlings with a mean bulk weight of 0.50 •} 0.02 kg were distributed in two triplicate groups and stocked in circular concrete tanks of area 16.63 m 2 labeled A1, A2, A3, B1, B2 and B3. Fish in partition A1, A2 and A3 were fed Coppens feed while fish in partition B1, B2 and B3 were fed Unical Aqua feed at 3% of their body weight twice daily. Results obtained for hematological parameters revealed that there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the blood parameters of male and female C. gariepinus including WBC, RBC, PCV, hemoglobin, MCV, MCH and MCHC for fish fed both Unical Aqua Feed and Coppens feed. Results obtained for biochemical parameters of male and female C. gariepinus revealed that there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in all the analyzed parameters including albumin, cholesterol, globulin, glucose, triglyceride, total protein, and urea. Based on the findings of this study, it is concluded that Unical Aqua feed can be used for farming C. gariepinus instead of Coppens without comprising their health status as indicated in the hematological and biochemical parameters. Therefore, based on affordability without compromising the health status of C. gariepinusUnical Aqua feed is recommended for farmers within Calabar and its environs.