The Carcass Composition and Haematological Indices of Coptodon Guineensis (Gunther, 1862) Fingerling Fed Varying Inclusion Level of Fermented Momordica Charantia Seed Meal
Abdullahi M. M.
Bake, G. G.
Sadiku S. O. E.
Ndamitso, M. M.
Abstract
This study examined the effects of fermented Momordica charantia seed meal (FMCSM) on the carcass composition and blood health of Coptodon guineensis fingerlings. The research spanned 84 days and involved feeding the fish five different diets, each with varying levels of FMCSM: D1 (0% control), D2 (10%), D3 (20%), D4 (30%), and D5 (40%). All diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous, containing 35% protein and 9.5% lipids. The C. guineensis fingerlings were raised in hapas (0.5 x 0.5 x 1 m³) placed within concrete tanks. At the end of the culture period, samples from each of the five treatment groups were randomly collected for both proximate and hematological analysis. Blood samples were taken from the fish at the beginning and end of the experiment to analyse various blood parameters. The results showed that including FMCSM in the diet significantly affected the fish's carcass composition and blood parameters. The crude protein content increased significantly in all FMCSM-fed groups (ranging from 47.59% to 51.34%) compared to the initial level (35.54%). The lipid content was highest in the D3 group (12.32%) and lowest in the control group D1 (11.60%). Significant differences were also observed in the moisture, ash, and crude fiber content across the treatment groups. Blood analysis revealed that the inclusion of FMCSM led to improved blood health. The red blood cell, hemoglobin, and white blood cell counts were all significantly higher in the fish that consumed the FMCSM diets. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that fermented Momordica charantia seed meal is a suitable and beneficial ingredient for the diet of Coptodon guineensis. Its inclusion did not have any detrimental effects and, in fact, improved the fish's carcass composition and overall blood health.
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