Comparative assessment of ampicillin antibiotic and ginger (Zingiber officinale) effects on growth, haematology and biochemical enzymes of Clarias gariepinus juvenile

Abstract

A 12-week study was carried out to comparatively investigate effects of ampicillin and powdered ginger, applied as bath treatment on growth performance, haematology and serum enzymes of Clarias gariepinus. Phytochemical constituents of ginger were investigated. A total of 210 Clarias gariepinus juveniles (26.01±0.05 g and 15.31±0.10 cm) were assigned to seven treatments with three replicates each. Treatment groups had different concentrations of ampicillin and powdered ginger (250, 750 and 1000 mg/35 litres respectively) added to the culture water. Control group had neither of the substances. Fish were fed twice daily with commercial feed at 5% body weight for 12 weeks. Result for growth revealed that there was significant difference (p˂0.05). Result for haematology studies revealed that there was significant difference (p˂0.05) between ampicillin and ginger treatments. There was no significant difference (p˃0.05) in aspartate amino transferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) between treatment groups. However, significant decrease in alanine-amino-transferase (ALT) was seen in 250 mg and 1000mg ampicillin treatment groups. Ginger can conveniently be used in place of ampicillin.