Applied Tropical Agriculture Volume 23, No. 2, 47-57, 2018 © A publication of the School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, The Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 704, Akure, Nigerian.

THE EFFECTS OF OKRA (ABELMOCHUS ESCULENTUS) ON CANNIBALISM, HEALTH AND GROWTH PERFORMANCE IN ( GARIEPINUS)

*Idowu, A. A., Nwekoyo, V. E. and Olanrewaju, O. R.

Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Management, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun state, Nigeria *Corresponding Author: [email protected]

Abstract A 10 week experiment was conducted to check the effect of diced Abelmoschus esculenta (Okra) on control of cannibalism in stocked fingerlings of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus). A total number of 250 catfish fingerlings with average weight of 1.40g±0.10g were randomly assigned to 5 treatments replicated thrice as I, II, III, IV and V representing, control (0g) 10g, 20g, 30g and 40g of Abelmoschus esculenta (Okra) respectively to study the effect that okra level have on weight gain, survival rate, haematological and histo-pathological parameters of Clarias gariepinus. Water quality parameters were also monitored. The data obtained were analysed using descriptive statistics and Anova while Duncan Multiple Range test was used to separate the difference in means. The initial mean weight of the fingerlings in treatment I, II, III, IV and V were 1.39±.04, 1.42±.09, 1.37±.39, 1.38±.02 and 1.45±.07g respectively. The results revealed that fish with no okra recorded the highest final weight value of 24.6g while the least value was recorded in Treatment V (40g okra).There was no significant difference (P>0.05) among the treatments, however, the mean weight of the fish decreased as the inclusion level increased. Hence, the highest mean weight of 23.27g was recorded in the control treatment while the least value (11.15g) was recorded in treatment V. On the survival rate of the fish there was significant difference (P<0.05) in control with least value of 26.66% while Treatment V had the highest survival rate of 86.66%. Haematological parameters result revealed the highest PVC value of 33.50% in treatment II containing 20g of the diced okra while the least value of 20.50% was recorded in control. Hb followed the same pattern with PVC however, there was significant difference (p<0.05) among the treatments. The WBC increased with increasing inclusion level of the diced okra fruits. The biochemical changes observed revealed that there was significant difference (p<0.05) in the total blood protein, albumin, globulin and blood glucose. The highest value (9.65±0.40) of total protein was recorded in Treatment II and least (7.65±0.35) was obtained in treatment III. Albumin value ranged from 1.95±0.05 in treatment III to 3.35±0.05 in treatment V such as, total protein, blood glucose and albumin. There was significant difference (p<0.05) among the various water quality parameters measured. The nitrate ranged from 1.02 ± 0.28mg/l in control to 1.13 ± 0.01mg/l in treatment IV. DO range between 5.15 ± 0.33mg/l in control to 9.94 ± 0.30mg/l in treatment IV. From this study it can be deduced that survival rate can be increased by reducing cannibalism level among fingerlings of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) under culture using okra (Abelmoschus esculenta) at 40g level in addition to adequate feeding.

Key words: Clarias gariepinus, Abelmoschus esculenta, Haematology, Cannibalism

Introduction acknowledged that, these bigger fish are sold for of the family Clariidae, comprise the most about twice the price of 30 day old chick (Haylor, commonly cultivated fish in Nigeria. According to 1989). Clarias gariepinus has an average adult (Miller and Atanda, 2011) the growth of aquaculture length of more than 1 metre long. These fish have is rising in Nigeria as a result of catfish farming that is slender body, a flat bony head, and a broad, terminal now largely adopted. Fish, especially, catfish mouth with 4 pairs of barbells. It also has a large accessory breathing organ. It can weigh up to 2 kg or (Clarias gariepinus) is a source of food rich in more (Anoop et.al., 2009). proteins and vitamins, especially, vitamin A (Retinol). They are source of protein. It is of Cannibalism is an act of killing and consuming the the important fish species for aquaculture due to its whole or major part of an individual belonging to the high growth rate, significant tolerance to same species, irrespective of its stage of environmental stress; induced reproduction in development. It is a common and widespread captivity, resistance to high density culture and its phenomenon throughout the animal kingdom market demand (Haylor, 1989). Clarias gariepinus is (Helcht and Pienaar, 1993; Smith and Reay, 1991). widely accepted by Nigerian consumers and was Young fish exhibit allometric growth patterns, high 47 Idowu et al/Applied Tropical Agriculture 23 (2), 47-57, 2018 growth potentials than the older ones, the intensity of Experimental fish were acclimatized in a fibre glass cannibalism could reach a maximum in the early tank for a period of 7 days during which fish were fed weeks or months of life history when the variability of twice daily. After acclimatization, fingerlings were individual growth would be maximum (David et.al., weighed and randomly distributed into experimental 2010). tanks. Fresh Okro fruits (Abelmoschus esculents) were bought from Osiele Market in Odeda Local Heterogeneous size distributions often lead to social government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria. dominance, which in turn results in aggressive Phytochemical screenings of the fruits were carried behaviour and cannibalism (Hecht and Appelbaum, out using standard procedures (Sofowora, 1993). 1988). Cannibalism is thus facilitated by size These procedures were carried out to determine the heterogeneity. But it also affects size heterogeneity, chemical compounds naturally present in the fruits. since the smallest fish are consumed by the larger The fruits was then diced into smaller sizes and ones, and thus be viewed as a cause or consequence of weighed with Hanah sensitive scale model number heterogeneity (Baras, 1999; Haylor, 1999). tn202. The weighed fruits were then poured into each plastic tank filled 2/3 that is 150m3 containing the fish Cannibalism among Clarias gariepinus, , in this order 0g, 10g, 20g, 30g and 40g as treatments 1- Heterobranchus longifilis fry and fingerlings have 5 respectively. been identified as one of the major problems by small – scale hatchery operators (Royle, 2001). Despite the Feeding regime was twice daily for ten (10) weeks at increasing interest in this species, cannibalism among 3% body weight using commercial feed (coppens) of cultured Clarias gariepinus has received little 1.2mm size grade obtained at Ayoteni stores attention and the factors underlying it have not much Obantoko, Abeokuta. The water was regularly been investigated in details (Ahmed, 2006). The aim replaced once every week. Also, mortality was of this study are to determine the effect of monitored in all the treatments and recorded Abelmoschus esculentus on the rate of reduction of throughout the experiment period to estimate survival cannibalism and survival in Catfish fingerlings and rates. also know the effect of Abelmoschus esculentus on the haematology of C. gariepinus fingerlings and Water Quality Parameters histopathological effect on the liver as well as The water quality was measured using a standard determine the effect on serum biochemistry. procedure. The readings were taken once a week, very early in the morning between 7:00 and 8:00am Materials and Methods throughout the experimental period. Some of the Description of Experimental Site water parameters measured were; dissolved oxygen, The experiment was carried out at the Fish hatchery nitrates and ammonia level. Complex, Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Ogun state, Nigeria. Determination of Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Collection of Fish and Experimental The determination of dissolved oxygen (DO) of the water sample was carried out using Winkler's method. Design The water sample was collected in a DO bottle of A total number of 250 Clarias gariepinus fingerlings 300ml BOD bottle, 2mls of Manganese sulphate was was obtained from a reputable fish farm in Abeokuta first added after which 2mls of alkali-iodide was metropolis and was transported to the experimental added to the solution and lastly 2ml of sulphuric acid site in a 50litre capacity keg. The experimental fish was also added to the water sample after which it was was distributed in 15 plastics tanks of 1m x 1m x 1m 2 taken to the laboratory where it was titrated against (200m ) dimensions arranged in rows into 5 sodium thiosulphate using starch as the indicator. The treatments and replicated thrice. The feeding trial was end product of carried out for 10 weeks.

48 The Effects of Okra (Abelmochus esculentus) on Cannibalism the titration was noticed by a characterized colourless · Feed Conversion Ratio = Dry Feed Intakex100 liquid. Weight gain of fish

Determination of Nitrate (mg/1) Collection of Blood Sample Sodium salicylate (colorimeter) method (Ademoroti, Blood was collected from the experimental fish at the 1996) was used to measure the concentration of end of the experiment by putting them on a tray. A nitrates in the water sample used for the experiment. damp cloth was used to hold the fish to avoid slipping Water sample was flocculated by addition of Mercury off while cutting. A small sample of the whole blood (II) oxide. The solution was allowed to settle for was drawn from the caudal vein of the fish using 5minutes and later filtered. 2ml of the filtrate was 1.5ml syringe and needle. Blood was collected in the pipette into an evaporating dish. 1ml of 1.0% sodium morning to avoid diurnal variation. Collected blood salicylate solution was added and evaporated to samples were transferred from the syringe into dryness for at least 30 minutes in a drying oven at 0 sample bottles (EDTA) containing anticoagulant, for 105 C. Sample residue was removed from the oven haematological studies and some blood was kept and allowed to cool after which 2ml of concentrated undisturbed for clotting. After retraction of clot, the sulphuric acid was added to dissolve the solids. 15ml supernatant serum was pipette into labelled sample sodium, 15ml distilled water was added followed by bottles and was stored in a refrigerator until analyzed. 15ml sodium-hydroxide and titrated. The development of a yellow colour gives an inference of Haematological Studies the presence of nitrate in the water sample. The titre The following parameters was analyzed on the blood value at which the yellow colour developed gave the samples, they include; Packed cell volume (PCV), amount of nitrate in the water sample. Red blood cell (RBC), Haemoglobin (Hb), White blood cell (WBC) total and differentials Heterophli Fish Growth and Nutrient Utilization (HET), Lymphocyte (LYM), Eosinophil (EOS), Parameters Monocyte (MON) and Basophil (BAS) at the end of The growth parameters was calculated following the trials. method of Bagenal (1978)

· Mean Weight Gain =Wf - Wo Serum Biochemistry Where: The serum biochemistry parameters like protein, albumin, globulin, and cholesterol were estimated Wf = Final weight of the body using standard kits and procedures. Wo = Initial weight of the body · Percentage Weight Gain (PWG) = Mean Weight Gain x100 Statistical Analysis All data were analyzed using descriptive statistics Mean Initial Gain and one-way Analysis of variance. Duncan multiple range tests were used to evaluate significant

· Daily Growth Rate (DGR)= Wf - Wo difference between treatment means. All analyses T were subjected to statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 17. Where: Wf = Mean final weight of the body

W o = Mean initial weight of the body T = Culture period (days) Results Survival and Growth Response of Clarias · Survival Rate S (%) = Ni X 100 gariepinus Fingerlings Stock with Okra

No (Abelmoschus esculentus) Extract No = Total number of fish stocked at the beginning of The survival rate, growth performance and nutrient utilization of catfish fingerlings stocked in water the beginning of the experiment containing diced okra at different Where: Ni = Total number of fish alive at the end of the experiment

49 Idowu et al/Applied Tropical Agriculture 23 (2), 47-57, 2018 inclusion levels are presented in Table 1. At the start Biochemical changes in the blood of Clarias of the experiment the mean initial weight ranging gariepinus fingerlings stock with okra between 1.37 to 1.45g were randomly distributed (Abelmoschus esculentus) extract among the treatment groups. Fish stocked without Biochemical changes in the blood of Clarias the okra fruit recorded the highest final weight value gariepinus fingerlings stocked with okra extract is of 24.6g while the least value was recorded in presented in Table 3. There was significant Treatment V at 40g inclusion level. However there difference (p<0.05) in the total blood protein, was no significant difference (p>0.05) among the albumin, globulin and blood glucose. The highest treatments. The mean weight decreased as the value (9.65±0.40) of total protein was recorded in inclusion level increases. The highest mean weight Treatment II and least (7.65±0.35) was obtained in was recorded was 23.27g as observed in the control treatment III. Albumin value ranged from 1.95±0.05 and least value of 11.15g in treatment V (40g okra) in treatment III to 3.35±0.05 in treatment V. The and this was insignificantly (P>0.05) difference blood glucose value ranged from 5.50±0.50 in from other treatments. The survival rate increased treatment V to 6.85±0.15 in treatment II. as the inclusion level of the okra fruit increases. There was significant difference (P<0.05) in fish Water Quality Parameter of Clarias survival rate with control recording the least value of gariepinus fingerlings stock with okra 26.66% while Treatment V (40g okra inclusion level) had the highest survival rate of 86.66%. (Abelmoschus esculentus) extract The mean weekly water quality parameters in the experimental tanks during the experiment are Haemotological indices of Clarias presented in Table 4. There was significant gariepinus fingerlings stock with okra difference among the various water quality extract parameters observed. The nitrate ranged from 1.02 Table 2 shows the haematological parameters of the ± 0.28 in control to 1.13 ± 0.01 in treatment IV. DO experimental fish stocked in water containing range between 5.15 ± 0.33 in control to 9.94 ± 0.30 varying inclusion levels of okra fruits. There was no in treatment IV. Ammonia increases as the clear trend in various parameters measured. The concentration increases with the least recorded in highest PVC value of 33.50% was obtained in control. The value ranged from 0.66 ±0.20 to 4.49± treatment II containing 20g of diced okra fruits 0.06. while the least value of 20.50% was recorded in the control. Hb followed the same statistical pattern Phytochemical Analyses with PCV however, there was significant difference Quantitative analysis of (Abelmoschus esculentus) (p<0.05) among the treatments. In the case of WBC, okra fruit is presented in Table 5.The parameters it increased with increasing inclusion level, hence such as alkaliod, saponins anthraquinones, phenols, the highest values of 11.90 was recorded in steroid, oxalate, phytate, anthocyanin, tannin and treatment V which was significantly different flavonoid percentages as active compounds were (p<0.05) higher than other treatments while the shown. lowest value of 9.85 was recorded in the control. The Lymphocyte value ranged between 59.00 in control to 66.50 in treatment IV containing 30g of okra fruits and there was significant difference (p<0.05) among the treatments.

Table 1: Growth, Cannibalism and survival parameters of Clarias gariepinus Fingerlings Stock with Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) Extract Parameters Control Okra 10g Okra 20g Okra 30g Okra 40g Mean Initial Weight (g) 1.39±.04 1.42±.09 1.37±.39 1.38±.02 1.45±.07 Mean Final weight (g) 24.66±7.93 23.28±1.05 16.11±.54 16.12±.58 12.93±1.54 Weight Gain (g) 23.27±.7.95 21.86±1.06 14.75±.57 14.75±.59 11.55±1.55 Initial No of Fingerlings 15 15 15 15 15 Final No of Fingerlings 4 9 9 11 13 MortalityNo (Cannibalism) 11 6 6 4 2 Survival Rate % 26.66±17.64b 60.00±13.41ab 62.22±4.44ab 73.33±3.84a 86.66±6.66a

Means with similar superscript along the column indicate there is no significant difference

50 The Effects of Okra (Abelmochus esculentus) on Cannibalism

Table 2: Haematological indices of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings stock with okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) extract Treatments Control 10g 20g 30g 40g

PCV (%) 20.50±4.50c 33.50±2.50a 25.0±0.00bc 22.50±0.50cc 27.00±5.00ab c a bc bc ab HB (g/dl) 6.80±1.60 11.20±0.90 8.35±0.05 7.50±0.20 9.00±1.70 RBC x1012/L) 0.80±0.23b 1.37±0.10a 1.05±0.01ab 0.93±0.07b 1.06±0.21b

3 9.85±0.45c 10.70±0.40 10.40±0.30 11.250±0.45 11.90±0.20a WBC (x10 /L) ab ab ab HET (%) 36.00±2.00a 33.00±.00 ab 38.50±2.50a 29.00±4.00b 37.00±4.00 a LYM (%) 59.00±2.000 b 62.00±2.00ab 59.00±2.00b 66.50±3.50a 59.50±3.5b MON (%) 0.20±1.32 b 0.50±0.05 b 1.00±0.00a 0.00±0.00b 0.50±0.05 b EOS (%) 4.50±0.50a 3.00±0.00 ab 2.50±0.50b 4.00±0.00a 3.50±0.50 ab BAS (%) 0.00±0.00a 0.00±0.00a 0.00±0.00a 0.00±0.00a 0.00±0.00a

*Means with different superscripts along same row show significant (p<0.05) difference **PCV: Park cell volume, Hb: Haemoglobin count, RBC: Red blood cell count, WBC: White blood cell count, HET: Heterophils, LYM: Lymphocytes, MON: Monocytes, EOS: Eosinophils, BAS: Basophils

Table 3: Biochemical Changes in the Blood of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings stock with okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) extract

Treatments TPROT (g/l) ALB (g/l) GLO (g/l) AST (IU/L) ALT (µmol/l) CREAT Control 8.70±0.40bc 3.05±0.75ab 5.65±0.35b 25.20±1.10b 27.35±1.05a 0.45±0.05ab 10g 9.65±0.05a 2.45±0.45abc 6.85±0.15a 28.90±0.20a 23.80±1.05a 0.55±0.05a 20g 7.65±0.35cd 1.95±0.05c 5.70±0.40b 30.20±0.80a 25.20±1.10a 0.45±0.05ab 30g 8.70±0.30b 2.25±0.25bc 6.15±0.25ab 25.65±0.35b 25.65±1.35a 0.50±0.10a 40g 7.85±0.55d 3.35±0.05a 5.50±0.50b 28.45±1.95a 26.70±0.60a 0.35±0.05c *Means with different superscripts along same row show significant (p<0.05) difference **TPROT: Total Protein, ALB: Albumin, GLO: Globulin, AST: Aspartate aminotransferase, ALT: Alanine aminotransferase, CREAT: Creatinine

Table 4: Water quality parameters of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings stock with okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) extract

Treatments NO4 Do NH3 I 1.02±0.28b 5.15±0.33d 0.66±0.02d

II 1.08±0.00b 6.94±0.06c 1.85±0.16cd III 1.05±0.01b 8.38±0.09 ab 2.71±0.09c IV 1.13±0.01a 9.76±0.03a 3.16±006b

V 1.03±0.00b 9.94±0.06a 4.49±0.06a

**NO4:Nitrate, DO:DissolvedOxygen, NH3:Ammonia

51 Idowu et al/Applied Tropical Agriculture 23 (2), 47-57, 2018

Table 5: Quantitative analysis of phytochemical parameter in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus)

Parameter % of chemical active compound T annin 1.16 Saponin 2.11 Alkaloid 1.48 Flavonoid 5.67 Phenol 1.72 Steriod 0.92 Antherquinone 0.61 Anthocyanin 0.23 Oxalate 4.88 Phytate 10.21 Histopatological changes of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings stocked with okra (Abelmochus esculentus) fruits

Plate 1: A section of liver showing the portal connective tissue that is very prominent with an extensive portal degeneration and necrosis at 0g (Control treatment) x400 ,H&E

52 The Effects of Okra (Abelmochus esculentus) on Cannibalism

Plate 2: A section of liver showing no visible lesions at 10g (treatment 2) x400,H&E

Plate 3: A section of the liver showing multifocal areas of severe hepatic vacuolation at 20g (treatment 3) x400,H&E

Plate 4: Section of the liver showing severe diffuse hepatic degeneration and necrosis at 30g (treatment 4) x400,H&E

53 Idowu et al/Applied Tropical Agriculture 23 (2), 47-57, 2018

Plate 5: Section of the liver showing moderate diffuse vacuolation of hepatocytes with nuclei intact and centralized at 40g (treatment 5) x400,H&E hierarchical territoriality and aggressive behavioural Discussion pattern. Also, Reddy et al. (1995) reported that The insignificant difference (p>0.05) among the several environmental factors, particularly when treatments initial weight ensured that there was no these are limiting have been found to influence the bias in selecting the experimental fish. The high behavioural pattern of African catfish fingerlings, weight gain of control (23.27g) as shown in table 1 thereby affecting the rate and extent of cannibalism in was as a result of the relatively higher weight gain of line with that okra fruits. These include the four (4) of the catfish fingerlings (shooters) found at availability of alternative prey, availability of food, the end of the experimental period. The weight gain feeding frequency, density, light, refuge, size of the fish samples in all the treatments was variation, feed distribution (Reddy et al., 1995). In a decreasing as the inclusion level increased; this similar study by Abdelhamid et al. (2010) improving could be attributed to cannibalism due to growth the survival rate of the African catfish, suggested that disparity among the control at 0g because as the grading technique of separating of the biggest fry inclusion levels increased the rate of cannibalism from the general population can reduce cannibalism decreased. This situation can be affirmed to be true phenomena drastically, although such practice can be and is congruent with the findings of Biu et al. labourious in large scale production. (2015). However, the non significant difference observed in the mean weight gain depicted that The results obtained on the haematology of Clarias numerical differences were insignificant. The size gariepinus (Table 2) showed a significant difference disparity between the relatively larger fingerling that (p<0.05) in PVC, Hb, RBC, WBC and LYM exhibited the abnormal growth pattern and the other parameters. Haematological results are used for fingerlings resulted in an increased incidence of clinical diagnosis of fish physiology which is cannibalism in the catfish population of control determined by the effect of the internal and external treatment this observation was in agreement with physical environment (Adeyemo, 2005). The values (Obirikorang et al., 2014). The low level of are within the acceptable range, indicating that the cannibalism that is mortality number (4 and 2) okra fruits dropped in theculturing medium is not recorded in treatments IV and V with 30g and 40g toxic to Clarias gariepinus and are safe to be added okra fruits respectively when compared to control up to (40g) concentration level. These values were treatment (11) showed higher survival rate (73.33%, higher than those reported by Kefas et al. (2015) 86.66% and 26.66%) respectively as indicated in when the same fish species was caught and analysed table 1. The reason for this could be based on the for haematological indices in Lake Geriyo, Yola, slimy nature of the okra fruits in the stocking Nigeria. The decrease in haematological parameters medium wherein the water was so slimy that the fish such as Hb and RBC of the control and treatment IV could not attack or get hold of each other, thus okra inclusion levels and other treatments was an preventing cannibalism among the fish in the okra indication that blood was not lost in fish compared treatment. According to Barton et al. (2002) size with what was reported when Leucaena variation is viewed as both a cause and effect of leucocephala was fed to Clarias gariepinus (Sotolu cannibalism and social dominance is one of the and Faturori, 2009). The values obtained although causes of size variation which in turn results in with significant differences for both control and

54 The Effects of Okra (Abelmochus esculentus) on Cannibalism okra inclusion levels, were within the range of population. The haematological parameters (Parked healthy fingerlings of catfish (Omoniye et al., 2002). Cell Volume, Haemoglobin, Red blood Cell, White The highest white blood cell WBC value recorded in Blood Cell) revealed that concentration of okra fruits fish from treatment V containing 40g okra inclusion could be included up to 40g in the stocking medium of level could be attributed to increased production of C. gariepinus fingerlings without any negative effect leucocytes in the hematopoietic tissue of the kidney on it health. The water quality parameters should also and perhaps the spleen (Omoniye, 2002; Ayoola, be considered when stocking ponds with catfish 2011). Lymphocytes are the most numerous cells fingerlings. Inherent size variations within full-sibling comprising the leucocytes which function in the groups tend to be lower than that between mixed- production of antibodies and chemical substances sibling groups that resulted to reduced incidents of serving as defensives against infection (Joshi et al., cannibalism. It is thus imperative to stock similar- 2000). sized, full-sibling catfish fingerlings in production facilities to reduce cannibalism. Overall it is clear Das et al. (2004) reported that the concentration of from the study that cannibalism in fingerlings blood plasma protein is an indicator to general health catfishes cannot be completely eliminated by adequate condition of fish. Although, Abdali et al. (2011) feeding although its rate can certainly be reduced. reported that a reduction in plasma protein is an indicator of the effect of toxins in the kidney, spleen Recommendation and liver, the results obtained in this study showed a The findings in the present study recommend further significant increase in the total plasma protein of C. investigation on the okra fruits concentrations level in gariepinus in treatment II (containing 10g of okra) order to ascertain its full potential in cannibalism when compared to control fish. The decrease in control of African catfish fingerlings. protein level with higher levels of okra concentration (40g) may be attributed to the destruction or necrosis References of cells and consequent impairment in protein Abdali S., Yousefi Jourdeli A., Kazemi R., Yazdani synthesis (Singh and Singh, 2002) and may be due to M.A. (2011): Effect of Atrazine (Herbicide) mobilization of protein to meet energy requirements on blood Biochemical indices of grass carp and to sustain increased physiological activity (Ctenopharyngodon Idella). Journal of (Martinez et al., 2004). There was a non-general Persian gulf. 2, 51-56. significant (p<0.05) increase in other biochemical Abdelhamid, A.M., I.A. Radwan, A.I. Mehrim A.F.B. parameters in fish treated okra in relative to control Abdelhamid, (2010): Improving the survival fish. This is desirable because reduction in blood rate of the African catfish, Clarias glucose level might be as a result of hypoxic condition gariepinus. Journal of Animal and Poultry induced by experimental condition. The increase in Production, Mansoura University. 1, 409- blood glucose level recorded in this study agrees with 414. the findings of Obaro and Nzeh (2014) who observed Adeyemo O. K. (2005): Haematological and higher blood glucose concentration in fish exposed to Histological Effects of Cassava mill Effluent extract of Azadirachta indica leaf. Increase in the in Clarias gariepinus. African Journal of blood glucose concentration might have resulted from Biomedical Research 8,175 – 183. an increase in plasma catecholamine and Anoop KR., Sundar KSG., Khan BA., Lals.,( 2009): corticosteroid hormones (Pickering, 1981). Gallinula chloropus in the diet of the African Catfish Clarias Physicochemical parameters of the water observed in gariepinus in Keoladeo Ghana National the study showed that the condition in the Park, . Indian Birds. 5, 2, 22-23. experimental tanks were favourable for the culture of Appelbaum, S and Kamler, E., (2000): Survival, C. gariepinus. Offem and Ayotunde (2008) also growth, metabolism and behaviour of observed similar values that were conducive for Clarias gariepinus (Buchell, 1822) early normal health of H. longifilis. stages under different light conditions. Aquaculture Engineering 22, 4, 269-287 Conclusion Atanda,A.N, (2007):Fresh water Fish Seed resources From the study, okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) fruit in Nigeria Bondad. R.E anteso,M.G slime could reduce cannibalism within a population (Ed),Assesment of fresh water seed when the concentration is high. In a culture situation, resources for sustainable aquaculture .FAO this can easily be resolved or sufficiently reduced by Fisheries Technical Paper No.501.pp361- satiation feeding with suitable feeds and size-grading 380. of the fish to remove larger individuals from the

55 Idowu et al/Applied Tropical Agriculture 23 (2), 47-57, 2018

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