The Hematological parameters of Catfish (Clariasgariepinus) fed Fish Feeds with replaced Premix using Moringa Leaf Meal (MLM)

A 56-day growth performance trial was conducted using Moringa oleifera meal (MLM) inclusion as a partial replacement of premix to determine hematological parameters of the African catfish, Clarias gariepinus (juveniles). Four isonitrogenous 40% crude protein rations containing replacement of premix by Moringa Leaf Meal (MLM) treatment I, Control (0% MLM)treatment II (0.5% MLM inclusion), treatment III (1.0% MLM inclusion) and treatment IV (1.5% MLM inclusion) were fed as 5% body weight biomass to triplicate treatment of 30 each of C. gariepinus Juvenile (12.5 ± 0.03g).Treatment IV had the best hematological parameters result, was not significantly different (P>0.05) from other treatments in packed cell volume (PCV) 25.83±1.21; Haemoglobin (Hb): 8.53±0.41 and Red Blood Cell (RBC): 2.79±0.44. Treatment I also had good haemotologicalindices: PCV: 25.17±2.85; Hb: 8.20±0.99; RBC: 2.77±0.13, Platelet: 125.50±8.18. Treatments II and III had higher levels of White Blood Cell (WBC) which ranged from 18.31±1.23 to 18.65±1.83. Hematological parameters results were within the recommended ranges for fish health. This study revealed that moringa leaf meal (MLM) was suitable as replacement forpremix, it enhanced the hematological performance of Clarias gariepinus juveniles. It is therefore recommended at 1.5% inclusion for successful practice of aquaculture due to its vitamin and mineral components.