IMPACT OF GARLIC AQUEOUS EXTRACT ON THE FERTILIZATION, HATCHING RATES, AND EARLY GROWTH OF Clarias gariepinus L. (Burchell 1822)

Abstract

The efficacy of garlic aqueous extract on the fertilization, hatching rates, and early growth of Clarias gariepinus l. (burchell 1822)) were investigated. The aim of the study was to minimize the use of synthetic chemicals by evaluating the potential of an aqueous extract of garlic in the prevention of the pathogenic fungus Saprolegnia species on Clarias gariepinus eggs. Fresh Allium sativum was procured from Maiduguri Monday Market, peeled, washed, and ground to obtain the garlic juice. The effects of garlic on the fertilization and hatching rate were
obtained by fertilization of eggs after induced breeding. Fertilized eggs were submerged into different concentrations of the garlic extract for 5 minutes. Effects of garlic on early growth were obtained by stocking 50 fry each into different treatments for a period of 42 days feeding with commercial feed (3 times per day). The experiment was carried out using a completely randomized experimental design with six (6) treatments and five (5) replicates. The data obtained were subjected to one-way analysis of variance, and the differences between the means were separated using Duncans Multiple Range test. The results showed fertilization and hatching rates of 90.42% and 63.88% in T6 respectively. Therefore, based on the results obtained it is recommended that (2.5ml/l) of garlic extract was effective in saprolegnia on egg, and improved fertilization and hatching rate of Clarias gariepinus. The result obtained on growth performance showed the highest specific growth rate of (1.42%/day) was recorded in T6 and the highest survival rate 95.10% was also recorded in T6.