• 2026-06-17
• Olusola S.E
• Volume 8, Issue 1

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the efficacy of the Combination of Medicinal Herbs (CMH) (maca root, Lepidium meyenii; Snot apple, Azanza garckeana; tiger nut, Cyperus esculentus; date palm, Phoenix dactylifera; thorn apple, Datura stramonium) on growth, blood profiles, reproductive performance and ovary histology of female Clarias gariepinus broodstock. One hundred and forty (140) C. gariepinus with a mean weight of 650.00 + 0.01g were randomly allotted to seven treatments at different inclusion levels; control (0), CMH2 (0.5%), CMH3 (1.0%), CMH4 (1.5%), CMH5 (2.0%), CMH6 (2.5%) and CMH7 (3.0% inclusion). Each treatment was stocked with 10 C. gariepinus per treatment, replicated twice and fed at 5% body weight for 56 days. Growth parameters, blood profiles, reproductive indices and ovary histology were taken using standard methods. The results of growth performance revealed significantly higher (p < 0.05) values in the treated groups compared to the control. The blood profiles show no significant difference (p > 0.05) in packed cell volume, haemoglobin, total protein, alkaline phosphatase, and neutrophils while significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in creatinine, lymphocytes, among the dietary groups. Relative fecundity, and hatchability were significantly higher (P<0.05) in the treated groups compared to the control. The ovary histology revealed that no abnormal changes were observed in the treated groups and the control. It was concluded that a combination of these medicinal herbs could be used in the diet of C. gariepinus to enhance weight gain, and blood profiles, and act as a bio-fertility agent in aquaculture.

Download PDF