Abstract

The efficacy of clove seed extract as anaesthesis on Clarias gariepinus broodstock were investigated. Fifty two gravid Clarias gariepinus, males and females (658.12±4.83 to 1136.70±321.99 g and 42.34±4.97 to 50.70±6.29 cm) were subject to various of concentrations (1.5, 2.0, 3.0, 3.5 and 4.0 g/L, respectively) of clove seed extract in concrete tank (1.8×1.2×1.0 m deep) in replicates indoors until they were immobilised. The result show that the induction time of the broodstock decreased as the concentration of the clove seed extract increases. However, the recovery time increased with an increase in concentration of the extract. Induction time was shorter (4.26±0.81, 4.51±0.31, 4.75±0.37 and 5.84±0.06, min) in fish treated with higher (2.5, 3.5, 3.0 and 4.0 g/L, respectively) dosages of the extract. Fish recovered faster (1.51±0.13, 1.87±0.26 and 2.10 min) in fish exposed to lower dosages (1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 g/L, respectively). Clove seed extract at 2.5-4.0 g/L was able sedate C. gariepinus broodstock within 4.0-6.0 min and recovered within 6.0 min. Clove seed extract possess the desirable properties of affordable, accessible and suitable anaesthetic agent for handling, restraint and immobilisation of broodstock during breeding.

Keywords:

Anaesthesia, broodstock, clarias gariepinus, clove seed extract,

References

Competing interests

The authors have no competing interests.

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The authors have no competing interests.