The antifertility effect of Alchornea cordifolia root powder on the prolific breeding of red tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus × O. niloticus) broodfish

Abstract

Background and Objective: The use of synthetic chemicals in the production of food for human consumption has been condemned by many nations, due to their potential health and environmental hazards. The study aimed to evaluate the impact of Alchornea cordifolia (A.c) powder root on the reproductive of red tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus × O. niloticus) through gonadal sterilization. Materials and Methods: During 60 days at the Minkama fish farm, 432 females’ juveniles of Oreochromis spp, with an average weight of 18 ± 2g, were randomly divided into four treatments, each with three replicates. The treatments included different dietary levels of A.c root powder: T1 (0% A.c), T2 (5% A.c), T3 (10% A.c), and T4 (15% A.c). A 35.35% iso protein feed was formulated using an Excel spreadsheet, and fish were housed in hapas within a 400 m² earthen pond. Key parameters such as water quality, fish growth, reproductive metrics, and histopathological changes were monitored throughout the study. Results: Results showed that water quality, growth, reproduction, and histopathology were monitored. Water parameters remained within acceptable ranges. A.c powder did not significantly (p>0.05) affect fish weight, growth rate, survival rate, or condition factor. A strong negative correlation (R = -0.97; p≤0.05) was found between ovary and individual weight. Tilapia fed A.c had smaller and lighter eggs, lower spawning percentages, and fewer larvae. Ovarian histology showed vacuoles and pyknotic nuclei with increased A.c dosages. Conclusion: dietary supplementation of A.c seed powder affected the growth, reproductive performance, and ovarian histology of red tilapia, likely due to the presence of alkaloids and flavonoids. Based on the findings, it is recommended that farmers considering A.c for breeding control limit its inclusion to a maximum of 15% A.c powder per kg of feed.