Cytogenetic and Heamatological Profile of Sarotherodon melanotheron Exposed to Carica papaya L. In Fish Feed as Replacement for Rice Bran

The aquatic environment makes up the major part of our environment and resources, its safety is directly related to the safety of our health and food security. This study investigated the cytogenetic effect of black jaw Tilapia, Sarotherodon melanotheron exposed to pawpaw leaf ( Carica papaya L.) as replacement for rice bran for twelve weeks (90 days). The haematological effects of feeding Carica papaya leaf meal rations to Sarotherodon melanotheron Juvenile were also carried out. The study also investigated the haematological effects of feeding Carica papaya leaf meal rations to Sarotherodon melanotheron Juvenile. The treatments of the pawpaw leaves for the experiment were T 0 (0%), T 1 (25%), T 2 (50%), T 3 (75%) and T 4 (100%). The physico-chemical parameters showed a significant difference (p 0.05) in the micronuclei present in 30 day in all the treatment while, day 60 and 90 showed a significant difference (p < 0.05) in all treatments. Analysis of Variance ( ANOVA) showed a statistical significant difference (p < 0.05) in the blood parameters: Mean Hb (g/dl), PCV (%), WBC (109/L), MCH (pg), Neutrophils (%) and Lymphocytes (%) values at 0 %, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% level of inclusions. The trends observed in the haemoglobin, red blood cells and packed cell volumes' for the experimental fish were indications that the dietary inclusion levels of 50%, 75% and 100% favoured an increase in haematological parameters. Carica papaya leaf meal at 75% and 100% inclusion in Clarias gariepinus Juvenile diet showed significant weight gain and feed utilization and the ration was cost effective. It can serve as promising replacement for maize when Physico-chemical parameters of culture water were monitored within optimum range. It is evident from this finding that exposure of test fish to pawpaw ( Carica papaya L.) replaced for rice bran in fish feed does not lead to cytogenetic damage and brings about little breakage of nucleus to form micronucleus cells.