Haemato-immunological and Antioxidant Responses of Clarias gariepinus Fingerlings to Dietary Copperleaf (Acalypha wilkesiana) Leaf Extract
Abstract
The present study investigated the effects of dietary Acalypha wilkesiana leaf extract on the haemato-immunological responses and antioxidant capacity of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings. One hundred and fifty fingerlings (average weight: 6.07 ± 0.02 g) were randomly stocked in 15 tanks and fed isonitrogenous (40% crude protein) diets containing 0 (AWLE0), 0.25 (AWLE0.25), 0.5 (AWLE0.50), 0.75 (AWLE0.75) and 1% (AWLE1.0) of A. wilkesiana leaf extract for 63 days. The outcome of the trial showed that daily growth index (2.83 ± 0.13), percentage weight gain (572.60±45.95%), and specific growth rate (3.02 ± 0.11 %/day) were significantly (p<0.05) higher in the group that received AWLE0.5 compared to AWLE1.0-fed group. Diet utilization was, however, similar across groups, with FCR and PER ranging from 0.90 ± 0.07 to 0.98 ± 0.02 and 2.75 ± 0.21 to 2.55 ± 0.06, respectively. AWLE did not significantly (p > 0.05) modulate the erythrocyte parameters across experimental groups, but white blood cell (WBC) count showed a significant (p < 0.05) decrease with increasing levels of AWLE. Respiratory burst activity, total immunoglobulin, serum creatinine, urea, albumin, total protein, cholesterol, triglycerides, and globulin concentrations were comparable (p > 0.05) across diet groups. There was a general significant (p < 0.05) enhancement in the activity of the serum and hepatic antioxidant enzyme as a result of supplementing AWLE in C. gariepinus diet. The present study showed that A. wilkesiana leaf extract is a promising functional feed additive having a major role in strengthening redox defenses in C. gariepinus fingerlings.
Copyright (c) 2024 Oluwagbenga O. Olude, Joshua D. Agama, Ololade J. Oladosu, Fatimah T. Adetunji, Oluwasegun H. Ojeleye
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