Effect of papaya leaf powder as a feed additive on growth performance and haematological parameters of African catfish (<i>Clarias gariepinus</i>)

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of supplementing papaya (Carica papaya) leaf powder (PLP) on growth, body indices, whole-body composition and haematological indices of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus). Four diets were formulated and prepared with PLP supplementation at 0% (control), 1%, 2% and 3%. Fries of African catfish (mean initial weight = 1.11 ± 0.01 g) were administered the diets in triplicate groups for eight weeks. The findings showed that fish fed diets containing 1% and 2% PLP supplementation demonstrated significantly improved growth performance parameters, including weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR), viscero-somatic index (VSI), and hepato-somatic index (HSI), in comparison to the control and 3% PLP-supplemented groups. Feed intake was significantly higher in the groups fed the control and 3% PLP-supplemented diets compared to those fed the 1% and 2% PLPsupplemented diets. Whole-body composition analysis revealed increased crude protein and crude lipid content in African catfish fed with 1% and 2% PLP diets, aligning with their superior growth metrics. Haematological analysis revealed significant increase in red blood cell (RBC) count, packed cell volume (PCV), and haemoglobin (Hb) in fish fed 1% and 2% PLP diets, indicating an improved health status. These findings suggest that PLP supplementation at optimal levels (1% and 2%) can positively impact growth and health parameters in African catfish, supporting its use as a growth promoter in aquaculture.