Utilization of Natural Honey on Wound Healing in African Catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) (Siluriformes: Clariidae)

In Nigeria, the African catfish, Clarias gariepinus is one of the most widely cultivated fish species. It can be injured by cannibalism, high stocking density, or other means. If these injuries are not treated properly, the wounds could operate as a precursor to additional pathogen infection, causing stress, health problems, and loss of fish stocks. As a result, the ability of honey to cure wounds in African catfish was explored. Honey was added to a 40% crude protein meal at different inclusion levels of 0.0, 100, 150 and 200ml/kg diet. The lateral area (1 cm) of the fish model was lacerated after which the fish were fed varied quantities of honey-infused diets for 14 days. During this time weight gain and wound healing rate of the fish were monitored and measured. Results showed that fish fed diet containing 200ml/kg honey gained the most body weight (9.7g+3.60), while those fed the 0ml/kg honey diet recorded the least weight (5.1g+6.11). Fish fed low honey levels (0.00 and 100.00 ml/kg diet) required longer time to recover from their wounds completely, but those on a 200ml/kg honey diet recovered completely within the 14-day experimental period. From the results of this research, it is suggested that honey be included in fish diet at the rate of 200ml/kg of diet to accelerate wound healing and invariably boost fish recovery after injuries.