EFFECT OF GARLIC Allium sativum ON GROWTH AND IMMUNE SYSTEM OF Clarias gariepinus.  

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of garlic on growth and immune system of Clarias gariepinus. A total of sixty juvenile fishes of approximately 51.00gram each was used. Fish samples were divided into four groups, A (control), B, C and D of fifteen fishes each, fed on garlic incorporated diet of 0%, 0.5%, 1% and 3% respectively. The control group was free from garlic. Fish in all groups was fed at a rate of 3% body weight twice daily for twelve weeks and it was readjusted as fish increased in weight. Fish growth in weight, total length and white blood cell (WBC) was measured weekly. Red blood cell (RBC), plasma protein, packed cell volume (PCV) and haemoglobin (Hb) were evaluated before and after the experiment. Results showed that there was no significant difference (p> 0.05) in the final weight of fish samples in all concentrations. Blood parameters( white blood cell, red blood cell, packed cell volume and haemoglobin) of fish samples feed on all diet containing all levels of garlic inclusions were significantly higher than control while fish samples fed on diet containing 0.5% concentration of garlic was significantly higher( p< 0.05) than all concentrations. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the value of plasma protein of fish samples in all concentrations. It is concluded that garlic (Allium sativum) in diet of fish has no effect on weight but has effect on total length of fish and also increases white blood cell count there by improving the immune system of Clarias gariepinus.

Key words: Clarias gariepinus, Allium sativum, growth and immune system.