INDIAN ALMOND (Terminalia catappa) LEAF EXTRACT AS AN IMMUNOSTIMULANT IN AFRICAN CATFISH (Clarias gariepinus)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33003/jaat.2025.1104.16Keywords:
Terminalia catappa,, Clarias gariepinus,, immunostimulant,, haematology,, aquaculture health managementAbstract
Aquaculture continues to expand globally as a major contributor to food security, yet disease outbreaks remain a critical challenge, particularly in intensive African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) systems. The excessive use of antibiotics in fish farms has raised concerns over antimicrobial resistance, environmental pollution, and food safety, necessitating safer, plant-based health management alternatives. This study investigated the immunostimulatory potential of Terminalia catappa leaf extract applied as a water additive on the haematological response and survival rate of C. gariepinus fingerlings. A total of 250 fish were randomly distributed into four treatments (15, 22.5, and 30 ml of extract per 30 L of culture water and a control having 0ml of extract per 30L of culture water) in a completely randomized design, with extracts prepared from shade-dried powdered leaves. Water quality parameters were monitored daily, and haematological indices were assessed using standard laboratory techniques. Results showed stable temperature and pH across treatments indicating extract safety. Dissolved oxygen increased significantly at 15 ml/30 L, while higher concentrations slightly reduced DO due to increased organic loading. Total dissolved solids varied significantly among treatments but remained within acceptable limits. Haematological analysis revealed enhanced physiological and immune responses in treated groups, with 15 ml/30 L and 30 ml/30 L producing significant increases in packed cell volume, haemoglobin concentration, red blood cell count, and white blood cell count relative to the control. Differential leukocyte counts showed higher neutrophil proportions in treated fish, suggesting stimulated innate immunity. Mortality remained negligible across all treatments with a survival rate 96.66% at 22.5ml/30L and 0ml/30L, while a survival rate of 100% was recorded at 15ml/30L and 30ml/30L of culture water confirming that the extract was safe at tested concentrations. The study demonstrates that T. catappa leaf extract can safely improve haematological health and modulate immune function in African catfish, supporting its potential as an plant-based immunostimulant for sustainable aquaculture.
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