Kingsley O. Awhefeada¹ , E. Akpomughe² , Michael C. Umehai³

1 Fisheries and Aquaculture Department, Delta State University, Nigeria
2 Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Nigeria
3 Agricultural Extension Department, Delta State University, Nigeria
Author    Correspondence author
International Journal of Aquaculture, 2026, Vol. 16, No. 4   
Received: 06 May, 2026    Accepted: 23 Jun., 2026    Published: 10 Jul., 2026

This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Dietary composition can influence both the growth performance and haematological parameters of aquaculture species. This study evaluated the welfare benefits of dietary supplementation with ginger (Zingiber officinale), garlic (Allium sativum), and neem (Azadirachta indica) powder on behavioural responses, growth performance, and haematological profile of African catfish juveniles (Clarias gariepinus). The use of plant-based phytogenic additives in aquaculture feeds is increasingly recognized as a sustainable alternative to synthetic growth promoters and chemotherapeutic agents, with potential benefits for fish health. Four experimental diets were formulated: a control diet (0%) and three treatment diets supplemented with 2% ginger, 2% garlic, and 2% neem powder respectively. Juvenile C. gariepinus were fed these diets for a three-month period (12weeks). Growth parameters, length–weight relationship, and haematological indices were measured, while behavioural indicators such as feeding activity, behaviour, and general vitality were observed as indicators of welfare status. Fish fed the garlic-supplemented diet recorded the highest values of Packed Cell Volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb), and Red Blood Cells (RBC), while the neem-supplemented diet produced the highest White Blood Cell (WBC) counts, suggesting improved immune response. Behavioural observations also indicated stronger feeding responses and greater activity in garlic and neem treatments. Overall, phytogenic supplements improved physiological condition and behavioural welfare of C. gariepinus.

Supplemented; Phytogenic additives haematological; Synthetic growth promoters; Chemotherapeutic