Effect of dietary Aloe vera polysaccharides supplementation on growth performance, feed utilization, hemato-biochemical parameters, and survival at low pH in African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) fingerlings

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of dietary Aloe vera polysaccharides on growth performance, feed utilization, hemato-biochemical parameters, and resistance against low water pH in African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) fingerlings. Fish were divided into five triplicate groups before being fed feeds supplemented with 0% (control), 0.5%, 1.0%, 2.0%, and 4.0% A. vera/kg diet for 8 weeks. Fish fed 1.0% A. vera/kg diet had significantly increased (P \ 0.05) growth parameters (i.e., final weight, weight gain, absolute growth rate, and specific growth rate) compared to unsupplemented ones. Among dietary groups, significantly lower feed conversion ratio was presented in fish fed 1.0% followed by those fed 0.5, 2.0%, and 4.0% A. vera/kg diet (P \ 0.05). The protein efficiency ratio was significantly higher (P \ 0.05) in fish fed 1.0% A. vera/kg diet compared to unsupplemented fish and those fed 4.0% A. vera/kg diet, respectively. Dietary A. vera polysaccharide crude extracts requirement suitable for growth and feed utilization was estimated to be between 1.76 and 1.79% A. vera/kg diet. Overall, A. vera extracts had improved hemato-biochemical indices when compared to unsupplemented fish, and decreased some of the indices, especially at high dietary inclusion level (4%/kg diet). Furthermore, A. vera-supplemented fish had higher survival probability throughout the low water pH challenge period, except those fed 4% A. vera/kg diet and control diet.

Effects of Dietary Doum Palm Fruit Powder on Growth, Antioxidant Capacity, Immune Response, and Disease Resistance of African Catfish, Clarias gariepinus (B.)

“…Moreover, glycosides (saponins) present in doum palm are known to form complexes with cholesterol and bile in the intestine, thereby indirectly reducing the cholesterol level in the blood, which may also rationalize this effect of DPFP [24]. Likewise, dietary clove basil leaf extract [62] and Aloe vera polysaccharides [76] have also reported such lipid-lowering activity in African catfish.…”

Haematological and biochemical blood profile of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) cultured in ponds of different water depth and fed sinking versus floating diet

“…In order to overcome these stressors and improve fish health and welfare, several attempts have been done. For example, improve husbandry system used for fish rearing, use optimum nutrient level, improve water quality and the using of immunostimulants and growth promoters (Gabriel et al, 2019).…”

Short‐term baths with essential oils of Lippia sidoides , Ocimum gratissimum and Zingiber officinale influence blood parameters and survival of tambaqui ( Colossoma macropomum ) after infection with Aeromonas hydrophila

“…Regarding aminotransferases (aspartate aminotransferase, AST; and alanine aminotransferase, ALT), these enzymes are used for diagnosing certain hepatic alterations that lead to destruction and necrosis of tissues (Gabriel et al, 2019; Zadmajid & Mohammadi, 2017). In the present study, no additional effect was observed from the treatments with EOs in tambaqui infected with A .…”

“…However, reductions in the values for these aminotransferases (AST and ALT) in Clarias gariepinus that was fed a diet supplemented with Aloe vera, in relation to the control, were reported by Gabriel et al (2019). This same author reported that inclusion of Aloe vera in the diet of O. niloticus conferred protection against liver damage caused by S. iniae (Gabriel et al, 2015).…”