Dried Pig Feces: Impacts on Growth, Haematology and Histology of Clarias gariepinus

Aims: Improper utilization and disposal of pig faeces in pig farms have been a great concern due to their hazards and risks they constitute to the environment. This situation calls for effective utilization of pig Feces for fish feed. This project was designed to provide information on safe level of Dried Pig Feces (DPF) on growth, histology and haematology of Clarias gariepinus.

Study Design: A twelve week feeding trial experiment was conducted using one hundred and fifty samples of C. gariepinus juveniles. The fish meal was replaced at different graded levels of DPF (0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%) and was coded T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 respectively.

Materials and Methods: Growth parameters, histology of vital organs and haematology of the fish samples were determined according to standard methods. Data obtained were analysed using ANOVA and Duncan multiple range test was used to separate the means.

Results: The Mean Weight Gain (MWG) revealed a significant (P<0.05) value in T3 (69.40 g), while 100% inclusion exhibited lowest MWG (21.07%). The Packed Cell Volume, Haemoglobin and Red Blood Cell values obtained decreased with increase in DPF inclusions, while an increase was observed in T4 (26.50%). White Blood Cell count was significant (P<0.05) in T3 (16,150±2.07 g/l) and decreased in T4(15,800±1.01 g/l) and T5(12,650±0.85 g/l) respectively. Histological results confirmed the absence of lesions in the heart, gills and the intestine of fish samples. Lesions in the liver were severed in T4 and T5.

Conclusions: The findings of this study revealed that 50% inclusion of DPF is the safe level for growth of C. gariepinus. Since the histological results revealed no lesions in all the vital organs, except the liver that had severe lesions, DPF can be recommended as an alternative feed ingredient.