HAEMATOLOGICAL AND SERUM BIOCHEMICAL PROFILES OF Clarias gariepinus-FED DIFFERENT INCLUSIONS OF DIETARY OIL

Abstract

The haematological and biochemical profiles of Clarias gariepinus fed different dietary oil inclusions were
compared. One hundred and twenty juvenile C. gariepinus were acclimated for one week and fed twice daily at 3
% body weight. The experiment was done in a duplicate static weekly renewal bioassay. Fifteen fish samples
were each randomly distributed into eight tanks with A1 & A2 as controls and B1 & B2 (10 % palm oil), C1 &
C2 (10 % coconut oil) and D1 & D2 (10 % fish oil) as dietary treatments. A significant (P<0.05) increase in
weight of C. gariepinus-fed dietary inclusions was observed. Fish-fed palm oil had increased levels of neutrophils
and platelets. Fish-fed coconut oil in diet had increased lymphocytes and eosinophils. Total cholesterol, HDL,
LDL, VLDL, ALB, and Na+ levels were highest in dietary coconut oil. Fish-fed fish oil diet had the highest level
of urea and a lower weight gain. This study showed that 10 % palm oil and coconut oil inclusions in C. gariepinus
diet may serve as alternatives to fish oil without any harmful effects on fish haematology and serum biochemistry.
Palm oil, a cheaper source of energy may be a better dietary replacement.

: , , haematology,