INFLUENCE OF DIETARY MORINGA OLEIFERA LEAF EXTRACT ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE, BLOOD PROFILE AND IMMUNE STATUS OF AFRICAN CATFISH (CLARIAS GARIEPINUS)

This study investigated the effects of Moringa oleifera leaf (MOL) extract on performance and immune response Clarias gariepinus challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila. Five diets containing 0 (positive control), 0.5, 1.0 or 2.0g MOL 0.5g synthetic (negative control) / kg basal were formulated fish fed to apparent satiation twice daily for 56 days. Thereafter, A. hydrophila through intraperitoneal injection. Blood samples collected from experimental before after challenge analyses haematological, biochemical parameters. The data obtained analyzed using one-way analysis variance at P < 0.05. Fish 2.0 g/kg diet had significantly higher weight gain, specific growth rate, lower feed conversion ratio, compared those 2 control other MOL-fortified diets. red blood cell, white cell lymphocyte counts boosted increasing levels in diet. albumin synthetic-based than positive diet, while alanine aminotransferase aspartate reduced MOL-based fortified showed enhanced respiratory burst, phagocytic activities post-challenge survival In conclusion, dietary 2.0g/kg inclusion performance, physiological status, protection against infection C. hence concentration is recommended its production.
 Keywords: profile, gariepinus, response, extract.