Effect of wonderful kola seed meal (Buchholzia coriacea) on growth, masculinizing potency and gonadal gross morphology of the Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus, Linnaeus 1758)

Abstract

This study was aimed to investigate the effect of Buchholzia coriacea on the masculinization and growth of Oreochromis niloticus. The larva of O. niloticus (mean weight 0.2g, mean length 0.45mm) were subjected to powdered B. coriacea seeds meal (BSM) at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 g/kg twice daily for one month in an indoor experimental plastic basin in duplicates with a total of six treatments. After which they were later fed with a normal diet in an outdoor concrete tank for another one month. The result obtained in this study showed that fish fed with 4g/kg BSM had the highest number (83.33%) of males which was significantly higher (p<0.05) compared to all other treatments categories. The highest survival rate (100%) was recorded in fish fed with 6g/kg BSM. The mean weight and weight gain observed are 4.68 g, and 4.65 g respectively were recorded for fish fed with 4g/kg BSM. The result of the histology showed that B. coriacea altered the sex of O. niloticus due to the presence of a hormone called dopamine in the kola. Conclusively, B. coriacea showed potential reproduction control in Oreochromis niloticus.