Effect of Azanza garckeana (Goron Tula) Pulp Powder on the Reproductive Indices of Clarias gariepinus Broodstock and Fry Survival
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Abstract
The rising cost and limited practicality of synthetic spawning agents in aquaculture have increased interest in affordable nutritional approaches, particularly functional feed additives. This study investigated the influence of Azanza garckeana pulp powder on the reproductive performance and fry survival of Clarias gariepinus. A total of 120 gravid broodfish were allocated to five dietary treatments (0, 10, 15, 20, and 25 g/kg; T1–T5), each replicated three times. Fifteen ponds were stocked with eight broodfish (four males and four females) per replicate. Brood stocks were fed the experimental diets twice daily for 56 days, with breeding initiated in week five. Each week, one male and one female from each treatment were sampled to evaluate gonadosomatic index, fecundity, fertilization rate, hatchability, and fry survival. Male broodfish were also examined for semen characteristics, including motility, volume, viscosity, colour, morphology, and total sperm count. Responses varied across treatments and sampling periods, reflecting both dose‑ and time‑dependent effects. Overall, hatchability increased with higher A. garckeana inclusion, and fry survival reached 100% in T4 and T5 during the first two weeks. These findings indicate that A. garckeana pulp powder enhances key reproductive parameters in C. gariepinus and represents a promising natural alternative to synthetic fertility stimulants, supporting improved brood stock performance and sustainable seed production.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Umar, K. A., Kwala, G. J., Adejo, S. O. (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
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