Impacts of Vitamin E on Some Growth, Haematological, Antioxidant Activities and Proximate Compositions of Clarias Gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) Under Laboratory Conditions

Abstract

The assessment of the impacts of vitamin E on the growth, haematological parameters, proximate compositions, and production levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) of Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) fi ngerlings was evaluated for a period of twelve (12) weeks. A total of 300 fi sh were acclimated for two weeks, during which they were fed twice daily. These were then distributed into four treatments and replicates, including a control. Vitamin E was administered as 350mg/L for T1 , 450mg/L for T2, and 600mg/L for T3 . Measurements were made from each trough randomly bi-weekly for the duration of the research. These measurements include total length (TL), standard length (SL), and body weight. The specifi c growth rate (SGR), percentage total weight gain (%TWG), condition factor (CF), and Hepatosomatic Index (%HSI) were also calculated. Blood collection was also made from three randomly selected samples at the end of the experiment. These blood samples were analysed for full blood count following standard procedures. 3 samples were also randomly selected, and the liver, kidney, and gills were excised; homogenized in phosphate buff er, and then assayed for GSH and MDA. 2 samples of the fi sh were also processed for proximate composition analyses. The data generated were subjected to one-way analyses of variance at P<0.05 level of signifi cance. The results indicated that monocyte and neutrophil counts were signifi cantly diff erent in T2 and T3 , respectively. The red blood cells, white blood cells, haematocrit, and blood platelet counts were not signifi cantly diff erent. The SL mean values increased with an increase in Vitamin E concentration, and the maximum value was obtained in T3 at the end of the 12th week. At later stages of the research, the TL also increased with an increase in Vitamin E concentration and peaked in T3 with a mean value of 18.17cm. Likewise, the highest weight value was also obtained in T3 . The peak SGR, %HSI, and %TWG were also obtained in T3, while the maximum CF was obtained in T1 . The highest protein content (20.58±0.26%) was obtained in T3. The moisture content decreased with an increase in the concentration of the vitamin. The GSH production levels in the liver, kidney, and gills increased with an increase in the concentration of the vitamin, and the T3 mean values were signifi cantly higher than those of other treatments, including the control. The MDA production levels, however, decreased with an increase in vitamin E concentration. The results in this research have displayed positive impacts of the addition of vitamin E in terms of physical and physiological features of C. gariepinus and can therefore serve as an invaluable addition in fi sh farming.