The effects of cockroach (Periplenata americana) meal on the haematological parameters of African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus BURCHELL 1822) fingerlings

Abstract

The effects of cockroach (Periplenata americana) meal on the haematological parameters of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings (1.13±0.3g) was investigated in a feeding trial for 56 days. Three iso-nitrogenous experimental diets were formulated at 45% crude protein comprising diet 1(control diet), diet 2 (10% fish meal) and diet 3 (10% cockroach meal) in a complete randomized design. The results obtained indicated significant differences (p<0.05) among the red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell (WBC), mean cell volume (MCV), hemoglobin content (Hb) platelet count (PLC), packed cell volume (PCV), mean cell hemoglobin (MCH), mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and lymphocytes measured. Clarias gariepinus fingerlings fed cockroach meal-based diets had significantly (p<0.05) higher PCV, MCH, RBC, WBC and lymphocytes than those fed fish meal-based diet including the control diet. It can be concluded that, cockroach meal can be included in the diet of Clarias gariepinus without significant adverse effects on its health status.