JOURNAL OF BIOSCIENCE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY DISCOVERY
Integrity Research Journals
ISSN: 2536-7064
Model: Open Access/Peer Reviewed
DOI: 10.31248/JBBD
Start Year: 2016
Email: jbbd@integrityresjournals.org
Effects of dietary garlic (Allium sativum) supplementation on growth performance and survival of Clariobranchus fingerlings
https://doi.org/10.31248/JBBD2026.269 | Article Number: AB30E91F2 | Vol.11 (4) - October 2026
Received Date: 10 September 2026 | Accepted Date: 03 October 2026 | Published Date: 30 October 2026
Authors: Robert, E. A.* , Ifejika, P. I. , Yem, I. Y. , Chilaka, N. M. , Njoku, J. I. , Landu, E. J. , Gwari, B. M. and Ogbuebunu, K. E.
Keywords: growth, immunity, antioxidant, feed additives, garlic, Clariobranchus
Clariobranchus fish is a fast-growing species reported to reach market size within a short time. This study investigated the growth performance and survivability of Clariobranchus fingerlings in the North-Central part of Nigeria fed Garlic-supplemented diets. Two hundred and forty (240) fingerlings of the hybrid Clariobranchus (♂Clarias gariepinus X Heterobranchus longifilis♀) were stocked in twelve concrete 2 X 2 X 1 m2 tanks. Each tank housed twenty (20) fingerlings distributed into four treatments with garlic inclusion levels (%), thus: G0, G0.5, G1.0, G1.5, with three replicates per treatment. Clariobranchus fingerlings were fed twice a day to satiation for thirty (30) days. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in their initial weights of 2.00±0.00 g, but there were significant differences (p<0.05) in final weights within the experimental groups, ranging from 8.50±0.11 g to 12.3±0.41 g. Clariobranchus fingerlings fed the 1.5% garlic-supplemented diets improved significantly in length, weight gain and survival rates. The highest survival rate (%) was recorded as 99.0±0.01 in fish fed the 1.5% diet. Meanwhile, the 0% group had the lowest survival rate of 75.0±0.00. The results for serum catalase (CAT) and serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities revealed significant differences (p<0.05) in the 1.5% garlic-supplemented formulation diet at 4.3±0.29 and 1.3±1.20 U/L, respectively. Comparisons between catalase and serum superoxide dismutase for the different inclusion levels depict a statistical difference (p<0.05). The increase in CAT and SOD was attributed to the presence of allicin, a bioactive defence component in the garlic bulb, which promoted digestion, giving the immune system energy for growth and survival. The overall results from this study inferred that the garlic-supplemented formulation enhanced fish growth while increasing survivability.
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