Effect of Aloe Vera Aloe barbadensis miller on Growth Performance and Hematology of Clarias gariepinus Juveniles

This study evaluated the effects of dietary Aloe vera gel on growth performance and haematological characteristics of juvenile African catfish (Clarias gariepinus). A total of 300 juveniles, initially weighing 14.00 g and measuring 12.00 cm, were distributed among 15 aquaria at 20 fish per aquarium in a completely randomised design with five dietary treatments and three replicates per treatment. The experimental feeds contained 40 g (T1), 30 g (T2), 20 g (T3), 10 g (T4) or 0 g (T5; control) of aloe vera gel and feeding continued for 56 days. Growth, feed utilisation, survival and selected blood indices were assessed. Table 3 recorded the highest mean weight value in T1 (48.92 ± 0.42), alongside the highest feed intake (37.53 ± 1.66), reported length value (17.28 ± 0.05) and specific growth rate (4.49 ± 0.08). The control exhibited the lowest corresponding weight (35.87 ± 0.42), feed intake (25.66 ± 0.06) and length (15.12 ± 0.05) values, together with the highest recorded survival measure (3.00 ± 1.00) and feed conversion ratio (1.51 ± 0.00). Haematological indices differed among treatments (p < 0.05). T1 showed the lowest red blood cell count and haemoglobin concentration, whereas T4 showed the highest haemoglobin concentration. Overall, the findings indicate a growth response to dietary aloe vera, accompanied by treatment-dependent differences in blood indices, and do not establish a uniformly favourable inclusion level.