Effect of mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) extracts as a feed additive on growth and hematological parameters of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) fingerlings.

AIM The efficacy of dietary inclusion of various parts of mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) extract on growth and hematological parameters of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) fingerlings were investigated. MATERIAL AND METHODS Ninety six fingerlings were randomly distributed into each of ten 20L plastic aquaria. Each treatment groups consists of three replicates. Four experimental diets were prepared: controls, leaf extract, shoot extract and rind extract. The 0.5% of various parts (leaf, rind and shoot extract) of mangosteen were included in the experimental diets at the expense of 0.5% rice bran. The fingerlings were fed with experimental diets at satiation for five weeks. RESULTS The results showed that no significant difference on growth, specific growth rate, average daily growth, feed conversion ratio and condition factors of the dietary inclusion of the different mangosteen extract treatment when compared to control groups except leaf extract. Significantly higher red blood cells (RBC) count and white blood cells (WBC) count were recorded in fish fed with shoot extract incorporated diet fed groups than the other groups. However, no significant impact on hemoglobin content between the experimental groups and control groups. CONCLUSIONS Based on the results of the present study, it is suggested that feeding fish with 0.5 % of mangosteen extracts for 35 days has no adverse effect on growth and enhanced the hematological parameters of African catfish fingerlings.