Abstract

Growth, haematology and histopathology are important indices in evaluating the health and physiological state of fish. These metabolic and health indices were examined in Clarias gariepinus fed with Zingiber officinale (ginger) roots- powder supplemented diets in 40-litre freshwater-filled plastic tanks. 120 C. gariepinus fingerlings (weight, 2.33±0.07g) were fed with 40% crude protein diets containing three concentrations of Zingiber officinale roots-powder: GRP1–1%; GRP2–2%; GRP3–3%, and control–0% ad libitum twice daily for 12 weeks. Significant differences (p < 0.05) occurred in the growth parameters except feed conversion ratio and specific growth rate. Survival rate decreased as concentration of powder increased. Differences (p<0.05) seen in packed cell volume (PCV), Haemoglobin (Hb), and Red blood cell (RBC), thus highest in GRP3: PCV (37.00±1.16%), Hb (12.37±0.37g/dl) and RBC (3.47±0.08 x 106/l) and lowest in control: PCV (22.00±0.58%), Hb (7.37±0.20g/dl) and RBC (2.07±0.06 x 106/l). Liver histology of control fish was normal, while fatty degenerations were seen in the treated fish. The histology of fish kidney was normal in all treatments. The study concluded that 1% ginger root-powder dietary supplementation in cultured C. gariepinus could effectively improve the metabolic activities, health profile and survival of the fish.

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