Effect of dietary vernonia amygdalina del. supplementation on some biological parameters of milt of male African catfish (Clarias gariepinus)

Abstract

The effect of Vernonia amygdalina Del. leaves on the reproductive potential of male Clarias gariepinus was investigated using 56 fish (425±75.7 g). Four diets with crude protein level of 45% were formulated with different inclusion levels of V. amygdalina leaves. The leaves were added to the basal diet at 0% (control), 5%, 10% and 15% inclusion levels. The 56 male C. gariepinus were randomly distributed in duplicate into 4 concrete ponds and 4 plastic tanks at a stocking density of 7 fish per concrete pond and plastic tank. The fish were fed at 3% body weight twice daily for 45 days. The milt was then analysed for some biological parameters. Motility and liveability percentage values (88.33±14.720% and 91.83±6.824% respectively) were the lowest in the control (0%) group but the difference was not significant (P>0.05) across the groups. Morphology studies showed that total sperm abnormalities were the lowest in the 10% group (45.67±2.73) and total normal sperm cell number was the highest in the 10% group (393.83±14.15). Total sperm counted in morphology study was the highest in controls (442.50±22.12). The differences in these values were not significant across the groups (P>0.05). The results of the study show that studied inclusion levels of V. amygdalina did not have significant effects on sperm motility, liveability and morphology; hence it can be concluded that Bitter leaf may be included at the studied levels with no untoward effect in the diet of male C. gariepinus.