Nutraceutical Role of Honey and Garlic (Allium sativum) on Haematological and Plasma-Antioxidant Profile of African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus)
I. C. Edeh *
Department of Zoology, Fisheries Unit, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
C. S. Olisa
Department of Zoology, Fisheries Unit, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
B. U. Ononye
Department of Zoology, Honey Research and Entomological Unit, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
C. C. Ikechukwu
Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Management, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
C. G. Nwankwo
Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Management, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
I. Okoli
Department of Applied Microbiology and Brewery, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: This work aimed to evaluate the nutritional benefits of honey and garlic (Allium sativum) in five different dietary inclusions on the blood and plasma-antioxidant profile of Clarias gariepinus.
Methodology: Five treatments; control T1 (0%), T2 (0.5% honey), T3 (1% honey), T4 (0.5% garlic), and T5 (1% honey) were designed for a 30-days study. The garlic (powder form) and honey were incorporated into the feed by firstly mixing it with water in a 2:1 ratio and sprayed over the feed (kg) and sundried before feeding it to the fish.
Results: The results indicated a significant difference (P < .05) in the haematological profile of the T2-T5 treatment groups compared to the T1 control group, except for neutrophils, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils. It was noted that the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) levels showed a significant difference (P < .05). However, malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH), showed an insignificant variation (P > .05).
Conclusion: The results indicated that honey and garlic increased the haematological and antioxidant indices of the supplemented groups (T2-T5) compared with the control group (T1). As a result, the study suggests the use of honey and garlic in aquaculture should be adopted to boost fish well-being.
Keywords: Honey, garlic, Clarias gariepinus, haematology, antioxidant