SURVIVAL RATE AND ORGANO-SOMATIC INDEX OF AFRICAN CATFISH (Clarias gariepinus) FINGERLINGS FED DIFFERENT GRADED LEVELS OF GIANT MILKWEED (Calotropis procera) LEAVES

Abstract

The study investigated the effect of giant milkweed (C. procera) on the survival and health status of Clarias  gariepinus fingerlings. Six experimental diets were formulated. The control diet was prepared with no C.  procera supplementation while the other diets were supplemented with Calotropis procera containing 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0% and Oxytetracycline (30 mg/kg) as a positive control. Clarias gariepinus fingerlings (5.20±0.0g) were replicated twice with 20 fish per replicate and were fed twice daily for eight (8) weeks at 3% body weight. The survival rate, condition factor and organo –somatic indices were measured. Phytochemical screening of C. procera leaves was determined using a standard method. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA at P = 0.05. The survival rate was higher in all the dietary groups (90.00% - 95.00%) and there was no significant difference (P> 0.05) among the dietary groups. The result of the organo-somatic index shows that there was a general increase in the value obtained in the liver and intestine. There were significant difference (P < 0.05) among the dietary groups except for kidney which shows no significant difference (P> 0.05). Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, glycosides, saponins, protein and amino, phenol, triterpenes and steroids. This study shows that C. procera can be used as a dietary ingredient in fish and the inclusion level of 0.5% is therefore recommended for optimum productivity in fish farming