Effects of plant oil extracts on the digestibility, hematobiochemistry, and hematology of Clarias gariepinus

Abstract Background Plant oil extract like sesame oil has high polyunsaturated fatty acids, while palm oil extracts are saturated. A serial substitution of crude sesame extract together with crude palm extract was used in novel diets of African catfish. Five types of feeds designated as feed F1 to feed F5 were made to vary in the inclusion of crude sesame extract (CSE) and crude palm extract (CPE), CSE: CPE), as follows: F1, 25:5, F2, 20:10, F3, 15:15, F4, 10:5, and F5, 5:25. Feed F6 was a commercial feed. The fish were fed to satiation for 70 days. We analyzed the digestibility of CSE, CPE, the feeds and the hematology and hematobiochemical parameters of the catfish. Results Results showed that the catfish had significantly higher digestibility for CSE 93.34 ± 0.22% than for CPE 78.98 ± 0.11%. Feed F1 had the highest digestibility 91.32 ± 0.07%, followed by feed F2, 82.25 ± 0.04%. The higher digestibility of feeds F1, F2, and F3 than F4 and F5 could be due to the lipids and fatty acid composition of the feed. Sesame seed is known to be high in phospholipids and triacylglycerols, and this enhances digestibility. Phospholipids are present in low quantities in palm oil. Crude sesame extract reduced blood cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose, while crude palm extract increased them. Conversely higher dietary inclusions of CSE (F1 > F2 > F3) in that order increased the Hb, RBC, MCH, MCHC, TWBC, and the PCV.a Conclusions Crude sesame extract should be added to the diets of African catfish for optimal digestibility and enhanced hematobiochemical and hematological indices. Crude palm extract should be added but not above 10% for optimal performances.