Effects of dietary inclusion of <i>Sacchromyces cerevisea</i> and Vitamin C on Growth Performance and Haematological Profile of<i> Clarias garipinus</i> Fingerlings

This study investigated the effects of dietary inclusion of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (probiotic) and Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) on the survival, growth performance and hematological profile of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings. A total of 240 fingerlings with mean initial weight (11.11–11.15 g) and length (7.13–7.37 cm) were randomly distributed into twelve tanks at 20 fish per tank, comprising four dietary treatments (T0, T1, T2, T3) in triplicate. The control diet (T0) contained no supplements, while T1, T2, and T3 were supplemented with graded levels of S. cerevisiae and Vitamin C at 1 g, 2 g, and 3 g per kg of diet, respectively. Fish were fed to satiation twice daily for 13 weeks. Survival rate, growth parameters and nutrient utilization indices were evaluated using standard methods. Survival rate increased progressively from 80% (T0) to 93.33% (T3). Results showed significant improvements (P<0.05) in growth performance with increasing supplementation levels. The highest final weight (724.70 g), weight gain (713.56 g), specific growth rate (3.28%), and best feed conversion ratio (2.29) were recorded in T3. Hematological analysis revealed significantly higher (P<0.05) values in supplemented groups compared to control. Red blood cell count was highest in T1 (2.306 × 10³/µL), white blood cell count peaked in T1 (74.01 × 10³/µL), while hemoglobin concentration showed a dose-dependent increase, with T3 recording the highest value (16.67 g/dL). Packed cell volume followed a similar trend with T1 (52.01%) being highest. The findings demonstrate that combined dietary inclusion of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Vitamin C, particularly at 3 g/kg (T3), synergistically enhances growth performance, survival, and hematological health of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings. The study recommends dietary supplementation at 3 g/kg for optimal production outcomes in African catfish aquaculture.