Dietary effects of <i>Cinnamomum zeylanicum</i> Linn bark on growth, morphometric indices and haematological parameters of <i>Clarias gariepinus</i> juveniles

Abstract

A 56-day feeding trial was aimed at determining the dietary supplementation of Cinnamon bark on growth and physiological parameters of Clarias gariepinus juveniles. Fish (12.39±0.02g) were replicated thrice with 20 fish per replicate, fed twice daily at 3% biomass of 40% crude protein. The experimental diets composed of 0% Cinnamon Bark (control), 0.5% Cinnamon Bark (CB)₂ , 1% Cinnamon Bark (CB)₃ , 2% Cinnamon Bark (CB)₄, and 30mg/kg diet Chloramphenicol (CHRL)₅ (positive-control). Biological evaluation, morphometric and histomorphometric indices were measured. Haematological and blood serum indices were determined using standard methods. Clarias gariepinus juveniles fed control diets had better growth indices than the treated groups. Morphometric indices were significantly increased (P < 0.05) in the treated groups compared to the control. The results of histomorphometric showed higher values in cryptal depth, villi height, villi length, goblet cell, villi width and muscular thickness within the treated groups compared to the control. There were significant differences (P < 0.05) among the dietary groups for all the indices measured except for the villi width. Also, white blood cell, lymphocytes, total protein, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase were better in treated groups compared to the control diet. The result suggests that Cinnamon bark enhance growth, morphometric indices, and haematology parameters of Clarias gariepinus juveniles.