Effect of tarpaulin pond on the growth and haematology of catfish (Clarias gariepinus)

The present comparative study investigated the haematological and growth parameters of catfish reared in both earthen and tarpaulin ponds. The growth response of the fish in both ponds such as overall weight gain, production index, survival rate, daily weight gain and length gain in the fish samples were determined. The overall weight gain in the catfish grown in earthen pond was higher (800 – 1000 g) than those from tarpaulin ponds (600 – 800 g). The production index of fish from earthen pond was higher than those of tarpaulin pond. The survival rate was higher in earthen pond (100%) than tarpaulin pond (80%). Moreover, daily weight gain and length gain were higher in earthen pond (12.50 g and 50 cm) than tarpaulin pond (10.00 g and 30 cm) respectively. Also, the haematological parameters such as the packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin concentration (HB), Red Blood Cell (RBC), White Blood Cell (WBC) count and other blood parameters of each of the blood sample, were determined using 5-part differential Haematology Auto-analyzer (Mindray BC 5300 model).Catfish from earthen pond recorded the highest haemoglobin value (8.68±0.15 g/dL) than that of tarpaulin pond (7.78±0.03g/dL) this means that the oxygen carrying capacity of blood of catfish from earthen pond is higher than those of tarpaulin pond. Packed cell volume (PCV) value was recorded the highest in earthen pond (25.00%) again than that of tarpaulin pond (23.50%). Earthen pond recorded the least white blood cell (WBC) count (5268.30±54.03 x 103/L) compared to that of tarpaulin pond (6170.50±37.09 x 103/L). Red blood cell (RBC) count was recorded the highest in earthen pond (2.74±0.01 x 106/L) than that of tarpaulin pond (2.18±0.01x 106/L). Blood of catfish from tarpaulin pond recorded the highest neutrophils (60%) than that of earthen pond (53%). Earthen pond recorded the highest leucocytes (40%) than that of tarpaulin pond (37%). Also, monocytes counts are higher in earthen pond (7%) than tarpaulin pond (3%). In conclusion, the results of the present study indicated that the type of pond material used to rear fish can alter growth and haematological parameters.