Growth Performance and Nutrient Utilization of African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) Fingerlings Fed Diets Containing Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) Root Powder

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of dietary inclusion of Tinospora cordifolia root meal on the growth performance and nutrient utilisation of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings during a 70-day feeding trial. A total of 225 fingerlings (initial mean weight: 3.95 ± 0.10 g) were randomly distributed into 15 glass tanks at a stocking density of 15 fish per tank, with three replicates per treatment. The root meal was incorporated at 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 g/100 g diet for treatments T1 (control), T2, T3, T4, and T5, respectively. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed in growth performance, with fish fed the 1.0 g/100 g diet (T3) recording the highest weight gain, feed utilisation, and nutrient efficiency. Growth performance declined at higher inclusion levels. Polynomial regression analysis of weight gain data estimated an optimum dietary inclusion level of approximately 0.9 g/100 g T. cordifolia root meal for C. gariepinus. Survival was high and unaffected by dietary treatment. Moderate inclusion levels enhanced haematological indices associated with oxygen transport and immune response, while serum biochemical parameters reflected improved metabolic activity, protein utilisation, and physiological status. Carcass analysis showed increased protein deposition and reduced lipid content, particularly in fish fed the T3 diet. The findings demonstrate that T. cordifolia root meal is a safe and effective phytogenic feed additive that enhances growth performance, physiological condition, and carcass quality in C. gariepinus, thereby supporting sustainable aquaculture production