Reproductive impact of aqueous extract of Mangifera indica leaves on female African catfish Clarias gariepinus Broodstock

Abstract

This study was designed to investigate the efficacy of aqueous extract of Mangifera indica on the reproductive performance of female Clarias gariepinus broodstock. 60 female fish of mean weight ±460.56g were stocked in triplicates into 15 concrete tanks (1×2×1.5m3) at density four fish per tank. Five diets with crude protein of 40% were formulated with inclusion level of 0,0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 1.0g of Mangifera indica. The fish were fed twice daily (0900 and 1400) hours for 56 days. The extract significantly improved the reproductive indices compared to the control diet. The results revealed improved gonadosomatic index, fecundity, egg size, percentage fertilization, hatchability, survival, estrogen level and histology of the gonads of female Clarias gariepinus broodstock. Aqueous extract of Mangifera indica can therefore be used as a feed additive to enhance reproductive performance of the female Clarias gariepinus.