This study investigated the histological effects of processed African fan palm meal (PAFPM) on the reproductive organs of Clarias gariepinus. A total of 60 mature broodstock (average weight 850 g) were assigned to five dietary treatments containing graded levels of PAFPM (0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 g/kg) in a completely randomized design with three replicates. The fish were fed isonitrogenous diets (35% crude protein) for 56 days. Proximate composition of the African fan palm meal revealed high carbohydrate (72.06%) and moderate fibre content (13.88%). Water quality parameters remained within acceptable limits for fish culture throughout the study. Histological examination of gonadal tissues showed progressive variations in oocyte development stages and testicular structure across treatments. Predominantly vitellogenic oocytes were observed at higher inclusion levels, with some evidence of atresia in certain treatments. The results suggest that inclusion of processed African fan palm meal influences reproductive histology in C. gariepinus, with potential implications for broodstock management and reproductive performance in aquaculture.
MOHAMMED et al. (Thu,) studied this question.