Oladipupo, T.M
Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure
*Corresponding author’s Email: tmoladipupo@futa.edu.ng, doi.org/10.55639/607.020100130
ABSTRACT
The present study evaluated the effects of Euphorbia heterophylla leaf meal inclusion as a phytogenic feed additive on growth performance and nutrient utilization of Oreochromis niloticus fingerlings over a 56-day feeding trial. Five approximately isonitrogenous diets containing 35% crude protein were formulated with E. heterophylla leaf meal included as a feed additive at 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 g/100 g diet, designated as treatments EH1 to EH5. A total of 225 fingerlings of O. niloticus with an average initial weight of 5.87 ± 0.03 g were randomly selected and distributed into 15 glass tanks (70 L, 70 cm × 45 cm × 45 cm) at a stocking density of 15 fish per tank. Each treatment was replicated three times. The results indicated that fish fed the 0.5 g/100 g inclusion level (EH2) showed significantly improved growth performance and nutrient utilization compared with the control and other treatments. Haematological indices, including haemoglobin, packed cell volume, and white blood cell counts, indicated improved physiological status and may suggest enhanced physiological responsiveness in treated groups. Biochemical parameters showed variations in total protein, albumin, globulin, cholesterol, and glucose levels, indicating possible alterations in protein metabolism, lipid metabolism, and energy mobilization, although the biological significance of changes in glucose and cholesterol requires further investigation. This study demonstrates that Euphorbia heterophylla leaf powder has potential as a phytogenic feed additive for improving growth performance and modulating physiological responses in O. niloticus, contributing to sustainable aquaculture practices.
KEYWORDS
Euphorbia
heterophylla,
Oreochromis
niloticus,
Haematology,
Biochemical
profile.