Evaluation of Houttuynia cordata Thunb. leaf extract on growth performance, feed utilization, and hematological indices of hybrid catfish ( Clarias macrocephalus × Clarias gariepinus )

AbstractThis research evaluates the effects ofHouttuynia cordata thunb. leaf extract on growth performance, feed utilization and the hematological indices of Hybrid catfish (Clarias macrocephalus×Clarias gariepinus). Four groups of fish were divided and given a basal diet (control group) as well as the extract solution, which was sprayed into the commercial fish feed (30% crude protein) in the amounts of the extract, 50, 70 and 100  ml/kg feed, then fed to the experimental fish for 90 days. Dominant results for the growth indices were found on days 15 and 30 of the experimental period. A significantly increased level (p <  0.05) of average daily growth (ADG), specific growth rate (SGR), feed efficiency (FE) and protein efficiency ratio (PER), as well as the lowest feed conversion rate (FCR), were found in fish fed withH.cordata extract at 70-ml/kg feed on day 15. While on day 30, it was revealed that the ADG, SGR, and PER were at their highest values in fish fed 50  ml/kg. Meanwhile, the survival rate was significantly different only at the end of the experiment (day 90) and was at its highest rate in the group fed 100 ml/kg. The highest total red blood cell levels (RBC) were observed in groups fed 70 and 100 ml/kg of feed over 30 days while the highest RB C levels on day 60 were found in groups that were fed 50 and 70 ml/kg. Total white blood cell (WBC) levels were at the highest significant value (p <  0.05) in fish fed 70 ml/kg on days 30, 60, and 90...
Source: Comparative Clinical Pathology - Category: Pathology Source Type: research