Estimation of Potentials of Psidium guajava Supplemented Diet in The Optimization of Some Hematological and Biochemical Indices of Clarias gariepinus Juvenile

The use of plant-based dietary supplements in aquaculture has gained increasing attention due to their potential to enhance fish health and promote sustainable production. Psidium guajava (guava), rich in bioactive compounds with antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, has been explored for its possible health benefits in Clarias gariepinus (African catfish), a commercially important species in aquaculture. This study investigates the effects of Psidium guajava-supplemented diets on the haematological and biochemical indices of C. gariepinus juveniles. Fish were fed diets containing varying concentrations of guava leaf extract (0g, 5g, 10g, and 15g per 100ml) to evaluate their impact on key health parameters such as red blood cell count (RBC), haemoglobin concentration (HB), packed cell volume (PCV), lipid profiles, and serum antioxidant enzymes. The results indicated that diets supplemented with P. guajava significantly improved RBC, PCV, and HB values, suggesting enhanced oxygen transport and overall physiological status. Additionally, guava supplementation reduced total cholesterol and LDL-C levels while increasing HDL-C, indicating improved lipid metabolism. Antioxidant enzyme activities, including glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT), were elevated in fish-fed guava-supplemented diets, with a corresponding decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, indicating reduced oxidative stress. These findings suggest that Psidium guajava can potentially optimize haematological and biochemical health indices in C. gariepinus juveniles, making it a promising functional feed additive for improving fish health and production in aquaculture.