Antioxidants in the plasma of african catfish ( Clarias gariepinus ) juveniles and adults reared in earthen ponds and concrete tanks

Levels of antioxidants (Catalase, Superoxide dismutase and Glutathione-S-Transferase) in plasma of Clarias gariepinus reared in grow-out concrete tanks and earthen ponds in three Agricultural Zones of Lagos State were investigated. Six farms namely, TEM, TRA (Eastern zone), BLU, TIM (Western zone), CHA, MOY (Far Eastern zone) and control farm, located in NIOMR, Badore. Antioxidants were determined spectrophotometrically to evaluate oxidative stress in these facilities. Sixty-four blood samples were collected from juveniles and adults of catfish (eight fish per farm), reared in these farms for six months. Blood samples were analyzed with Randox diagnostic test kits. Results from antioxidants analyses showed that values of Catalase, Superoxide dismutase and Glutathione-S-transferase in plasma of C. gariepinus (juveniles and adults) from control farm ranged from 0.60 – 0.90 Umg/protein; 0.10 – 0.58 Umg/protein and 0.20 – 0.42 Umg/protein respectively. In juvenile and adult fish reared in concrete and earthen ponds, the catalase reduced significantly (P<0.05) in all farms when compared to control farm. Moreover, Superoxide dismutase and Glutathione transferase were equally elevated in other farms when compared to control. These alterations were more pronounced in fish reared in MOY and TEM fish farms than other farms. This indicates that fish in MOY and TEM farms were more stressed than fish in other farms when compared to control in rearing facilities. Key Words : Stress, antioxidants, catfish, earthen ponds and concrete tanks