Effects of combined vitamins C and E on the growth performance and some antioxidant production levels in Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) fingerlings

Abstract

The demand for improved aquacultural practices is on constant increase to meet the demands of the teeming population of the human race at the lowest cost possible. The effects of combined vitamins C and E on the growth performance, catalase (CAT) and reduced glutathione (GSH) production levels in Clarias gariepinus fingerlings (10.00±0.00g) were evaluated for 12 week. 120 samples of the fish were assigned to 4 treatments thus: 00 (control), 200mg/L (T1), 300mg/L (T2) and 400mg/L (T3). The total length (TL), standard length (SL) and weight of the fish were determined weekly. The percentage weight gain (%W), specific growth rate (SGR) were also calculated. The kidneys, liver and gills were excised, homogenized in phosphate buffer; and then assayed for CAT and GSH every 4th week of the experiment. From the results, the TL and SL increased significantly with increase in the concentration of the combined vitamins especially in T2 and T3 much better than the control. The weight increased significantly from T1-T3 all through the 12 weeks with 120.88±28.75g as the highest, 1109%WG and SGR of 5.686g/day obtained in T3. The CAT and GSH in the kidneys, liver and gills decreased with increase in the concentrations of the combined vitamins and duration of the experiment with the control values significantly higher than all the treatments in most cases. The results from this research have shown significant improvements in growth and physiology of C. gariepinus and therefore, administration of these combined vitamins can serve as invaluable addition in catfish farming.