Effects of Chlorella vulgaris on Hematological Parameters of Clarias gariepinus

Abstract

A 12-week feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary Chlorella vulgaris supplementation on the haematological parameters of Clarias gariepinus. The fish were divided into five groups: one fed on a control diet without algae supplementation, and four experimental groups fed diets containing 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% C. vulgaris powder at 3% of their body weight, twice daily. Treated groups exhibited higher RBC, WBC, and Hct levels, with the highest values observed in the 15% and 20% groups, while the control group showed higher RBC indices. No significant differences were noted in RBC and MCV, but significant variations were observed in WBC, Hct, Hb, MCH, and MCHC at p<0.05. Based on the findings, dietary supplementation with more than 5% C. vulgaris can enhance the blood quality of catfish.