Influence of Dracaena arborea Extracts Used as Milt Diluents on the Reproductive Performance of Clarias gariepinus During Artificial Propagation
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54536/ajaas.v4i2.5304Keywords:
Clarias Gariepinus, Dracaena Arborea, Fertility, Milt Diluents, Milt QualityAbstract
This study assesses the use of Dracaena arborea extract as a diluent during artificial propagation of Clarias gariepinus. Apparently healthy male and female African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) broodstock with average weight of 2.5kg were used for this study. The male fish was dissected and the milt collected into a dry vial. The milt was assessed at different dilution ratios, specifically 0.1 ml of milt to 1 ml (D1), 2 ml (D2), 3 ml (D3), and 4 ml (D4) of Dracaena arborea extract, while the control was 0.1 ml of undiluted milt. The experiment was laid out in a complete randomized design (CRD) involving 4 treatments and a control, each replicated 3 times. Results showed no significant (P>0.05) difference in the milt percentage motility and milt count. The highest milt percentage motility occurred in D2 (57.11%) while the lowest (40.67%) was observed in the control group. There was significant difference (P<0.05) in the milt motility duration between the treatments and the control which ranged from 3.22±0.05mins to 2.05±0.03mins. Significant decreased was observed in the milt motility duration with increasing concentration of Dracaena arborea extract. The result of reproductive performance shows significant (P<0.05) difference in the percentage hatchability of eggs withthe highest in D1 (93.78%) and the lowest in D4 (47.01%). No significant (P>0.05) difference was recorded in water temperature, pH and dissolved oxygen, however, Dracaena arborea extract significantly (P>0.05) impacted water conductivity which increased as the concentration of the extract increased. The result of the study indicates that Dracaena arborea extract could serve as milt diluent during artificial propagation of Clarias gariepinus which can be exploited to improve reproductive performance in fish seeds production.
Downloads
References
Abdel-Tawwab, M., Monier, M. N., Hoseinifar, S. H., & Faggio, C. (2019). Fish response to hypoxia stress: growth, physiological, and immunological biomarkers. Fish physiology and biochemistry, 45(3), 997–1013. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10695-019-00614-9
Adebayo, (2006). Reproductive performance of African Clariid Catfish Clarias gariepinus broodstocks on varying maternal stress. Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Science, 1(1-2):17-20.
Adebayo, O. T., & Popoola, O. M. (2008). Comparative evaluation of efficacy and cost of synthetic and Non-synthetic hormones for artificial breeding of African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus, Burchell 1822). Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Science, 3(1), 66-71.
Adeparusi, E. O., Dada, A. A., & Alale, O. V. (2010). The effects of medicinal plant (Kigelia Africana) on sperm quality of African catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) Broodstock. Journal of Agricultural Science, 2(1), 193-199.
Adewolu, M. A., & Adoti, A. J. (2010). Effect of mixed feeding schedules with varying dietary crude protein levels on the growth and feed utilization of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings. Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Science, 5, 304–310. https://doi.org/10.3923/jfas.2010.304.310
Ahmadifar, E., Pourmohammadi Fallah, H., Yousefi, M., Dawood, M. A. O., Hoseinifar, S. H., Adineh, H., Yilmaz, S., Paolucci, M., & Doan, H. V. (2021). The Gene Regulatory Roles of Herbal Extracts on the Growth, Immune System, and Reproduction of Fish. Animals; 11(8), 2167. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11082167
Ajayi, B. B., Ogunsola, J. O., Olatoye, O. I., Richard E. A., & Agbede, S. (2018). Effects of pituitary extract, ovaprim, and bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) on the histopathology of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus). Aquaculture and Fisheries, 3(6), 232- 237.
Akankali, J. A., Seiyaboh, E. L., & Abowei, J. F. N. (2011). Fish hatchery and management in Nigeria. Advance Journal of Food Science and Technology, 3(2), 144-154.
Ali, B., Anushka, & Mishra, A. (2022). Effects of dissolved oxygen concentration on freshwater fish: A review. International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Studies. 10(4), 113-127. 10.22271/fish.2022.v10.i4b.2693
Al-Khalaifah, H. S., Khalil, A. A., Amer, S. A., Shalaby, S. I., Badr, H. A., Farag, M. F. M., Altohamy, D. E., & Abdel Rahman, A. N. (2020). Effects of Dietary Doum Palm Fruit Powder on Growth, Antioxidant Capacity, Immune Response, and Disease Resistance of African Catfish, Clarias gariepinus (B.). Animals, 10(8), 1407. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10081407
Al-Sa’aidi, J. A. A., Al-Khuzai, A. L. D., & Al-Zobaydi, N. F. H. (2009). Effect of alcoholic extract of Nigella sativa on fertility in male rats. Iraqi Journal of Veterinary Sciences, 23, 123-128.
Amaechi, C., & Solomon, J. R. (2015). Calculation of the physiochemical parameters of catfish (Clarias gariepinus) fed locally formulated feeds (earthwarm). International Journal of Bioassays, 4(16), 3941-3947.
Andrian, K. N., Wihadmadyatami, H., Wijayanti, N., Karnati, S., & Haryanto, A. (2024). A comprehensive review of current practices, challenges, and future perspectives in Koi fish (Cyprinus carpio var. koi) cultivation. Veterinary world, 17(8), 1846–1854. https://doi.org/10.14202/vetworld.2024.1846-1854
APHA. (1987). Standard Method for the Examination Water and Wastewater (17th ed., pp. 1268). Washington D.C.
Ashamu, E. A., Salawu, E. O., Oyewo, O. O., Alhassan, A. W., Alamu, O. A., & Adegoke, A. A. (2010). Efficacy of vitamin C and ethanolic extract of Sesamum indicum in promoting fertility in male Wistar rats. Journal of Human Reproductive Science, 3(1), 11-14.
Azra, M. N., Okomoda, V. T., & Ikhwanuddin, M. (2022). Breeding Technology as a Tool for Sustainable Aquaculture Production and Ecosystem Services. Frontiers in Marine Science. 9. 679529. 10.3389/fmars.2022.679529.
Bhandari, R., Shrestha, K., & Bastola, D. (2025). Effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale) rhizome extract on growth performance, survival and gut flora of common carp (Cyprinus carpio). International Journal of Agriculture and Food Science, 7, 111-116. 10.33545/2664844X.2025.v7.i4b.343
Blackburn, H., Torres, L., Liu, Y., & Tiersch, T. R. (2022). The Need for a Framework Addressing the Temporal Aspects of Fish Sperm Motility Leading to Community-Level Standardization. Zebrafish, 19(4), 119–130. https://doi.org/10.1089/zeb.2022.0006
Brown, R., Kaunert, M., Johnson, K., Roosenburg, W., & Popescu, V. (2025). Assessing the effects of conductivity on egg development and survival of Eastern Hellbenders (Cryptobranchus a. alleganiensis). Scientific Reports, 15, 6821. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-82969-5
Canyurt, M., A., & Akhan, S. (2008). Effect of Ascorbic Acid Supplementation on Sperm Quality of Rainbow Trout (Onchorynchus mykiss). Turkish Journal and Aquatic Sciences, 8, 171-175.
Chowdhury, M., Chatterjee, A., Mondal, A., & Chatterji, U. (2010). Ovaprim abrogates expression of GnRH receptor-II in the Indian catfish. International Journal of Biology, 2, 189–198.
Cruz-Casallas, P. E., Lombo-Rodriguez, D. A., & Velasco- Santamaria, Y. M. (2005). Milt quality and spermatozoa morphology of captive Brycon siebenthalee (Eigenmann) broodstock. Aquaculture Research, 36, 628-688.
Dada A. A. (2012). Effects of Garcinia kola seed meal on egg quality of the North African catfish, Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) broodstock. African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, 12, 6447-6459.
Dada, A. A., & Ajilore, V. O. (2009). Use of ethanol extracts of Garcinia Kola as fertility Enhancer in female catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) broodstock. Journal of Fisheries Aquaculture, 1, 1-5.
Dada, A. A., & Ebhodaghe, B. E. (2011). Effect of Garcina kola seed meal on egg quality of the African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) (Burchell) broodstock. Cameroon Journal of Experimental Biology, 7(1), 1-8.
Dada, A. A., & Oviawe, N. E. (2011). The use of bitter kola (Garcinia kola) dry seed powder as a natural growth-promoting agent for African sharptooth catfish Clarias gariepinus fingerlings. African Journal of Aquatic Science, 36(1), 97-100.
Davies, A. O., Inko-Tariah, M. B., & Amachree, D. (2006). Growth response and survival of Heterobranchuslongifilis fingerlings fed at different feeding frequencies. African Journal Biotechnology, 5, 778-780.
Doğu, Z., Aral, F., Şahinöz, E., Temiz, E., & Koyuncu, İ. (2023). Impact of Curcumin Supplementation on Sperm Characteristics and Gene Expression in Fish Sperm Freezing Medium. Genetics of Aquatic Organisms, 7(4), GA729. https://doi.org/10.4194/GA729
Egbeyale, L. T., Ayo-Ajasa, O. Y., Ayoola, A. A., Ogunkunle, N. F., & Okuboyejo, O. A. (2015). Performance of broiler chickens fed neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf meal as an alternative to antibiotics. Bulletin of Animal Health and Production in Africa, 63(4), 403-410.
Egwenomhe, M., & Obi, A. (2012). The cost and effectiveness of using two Gonoadotropin releasing hormone Anologue, Ovaprim and Ovatide and fresh pituitary extract in the induced breeding of the African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus). Nigeria Journal of Fisheries, 3, 555-559.
Eissa, E. S. H., Hendam, B. M., Dighiesh, H. S., Abd Elnabi, H. E., Abd El-Aziz, Y. M., Eissa, M. E. H., Abdelnour, S. A., & Ghanem, S. F. (2024). Comparative effects of curcumin, nano curcumin and their combination on reproductive traits and spawning performance of red tilapia (Oreochromis Niloticus X O. Mossambicus). Veterinary Research, 20, 427. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-024-04257-8
Ekere, S. O., Okoye, C. N., & Udoumoh, A. F. (2013.) Fertility enhancing effects of methanolic leaf extract of Dracaena arborea in albino rats (Rattus norvegicus). Czech Journal of Animal Science, 11, 520–524.
Etuk, E. U., & Muhammad, A. A. (2009). Fertility enhancing effects of aqueous stem bark extract of Lophira lanceolata in male Spargue Dawley rats. International Journal of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, 1, 1–4.
Fonge, B. A., Tchinda, A. T., Ngadjui, B. T., & Emmanuel, T. (2012). Medicinal plants used in the treatment of diseases in the South West Region of Cameroon. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, 6(31), 4729-4743.
Food and Agriculture Organization. (2022). The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2022. Towards Blue Transformation. Rome, FAO. https://doi.org/10.4060/cc0461en
Food and Agriculture Organization. (1996). Data base on Introduced Aquatic species, FAO, Rome Italy, pp. 46.
Gabriel, N. N., Wilhelm, M. R., Habte-Tsion, H.-M., Chimwamurombe, P., Omoregie, E., Iipinge, L. N., & Shimooshili, K. (2019). Effect of dietary Aloe vera polysaccharides supplementation on growth performance, feed utilization, hemato-biochemical parameters, and survival at low pH in African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) fingerlings. International Aquatic Research, 11(1), 57–72. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40071-019-0219-8
Ganiyu, A. O., Belewu, M. A., Ogunkunle, N. F., & Imam, R. O. (2025). Growth Performance and Digestibility of Red Sokoto Goat Fed Jatropha curcas Kernel Cake. International Journal of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, 2(1). https://doi.org/10.54536/ijvmas.v2i1.4195
Hajirezaee, S., Amiri, B. A., & Mirvaghefi, A. (2010). Fish milt quality and major factors influencing the milt quality parameters: A review. African Journal of Biotechnology, 9(54), 9148-9154.
Imam, T. S., Abdullahi, Z. D., & Sani, A. (2019). Effect of Different Water Qualities On Clarias Gariepinus Growth and Survival. Journal of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, 1(2), 78 - 84.
Karami, A., Christianus, A., Zoekaeifer, H., Saad, K. Z., Imraan, F. T. J., & Shakibazadeh, S. (2011). Ovaprim treatment promotes oocyte development and milt fertilization rate in diploid and triploid African catfish (Clarias gariepinus). Aquaculture International, 19, 1025–1034.
Kowalski, R. K., & Cejko, B. I. (2019). Sperm quality in fish: Determinants and affecting factors. Theriogenology, 135, 94–108. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.06.009
Maryam, I., Suleiman, A., & Bako, H. (2024). Evaluation of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) and Garlic (Allium sativum) effect on growth performance and survival rates of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings. Life Science, 1(1). https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.36602.30402
Mims, S. D. (1991). Evaluation of activator solutions, motility duration and short-term storage of Paddle fish spermatozoa. Journal of World Aquaculture Society, 22(6), 224-229.
Mugwanya, M., Dawood, M. A., Kimera, F., & Sewilam, H. (2022). Anthropogenic temperature fluctuations and their effect on aquaculture: A comprehensive review. Aquaculture and Fisheries, 7(3), 223-243. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aaf.2021.12.005
Ndimele, P. E., & Owodiende, F. B. (2012). Comparative reproduction and growth performance of Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) and its hybrid induced with synthetic hormone and pituitary gland of Clarias gariepinus. Turkish Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, 12, 619–626.
Ndimele, P. E., Owodeinde, F. G., Kumolu-Johnson, C.A., Jimoh, A. A., & Whenu, O. O. (2011) Growth performance of the reciprocal hybrids of Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) and Heterobranchusbidorsalis (Valenciennes, 1840). Current Research Journal of Biological Sciences, 3, 137-140.
Nyadjeu, P., Ekemeni, R.G.M. & Tomedi, M.E.T. (2020). Growth Performance, Feed Utilization and Survival of Clarias gariepinus Post-larvae Fed with a Dietary Supplementation of Zingiber officinale-Allium sativum Mixture. Journal of Aquaculture & Fisheries. https://doi.org/10.24966/AAF-5523/100028
Odo, S. N., Alozie, E. C., & Anyanwu, E. D. (2018). Comparative assessment of milt quality of three populations of clariasgariepinus (burchell, 1822) broodstock. African Journal of Agriculture and Food Science, 1(1), 19-26.
Ogunkunle, N. F., Adeniyi, N. O., & Simpson, M. D. (2024). The Use of Pomace as Animal Feed: A Review ofGrape and Tomato Pomace. Journal of Agricultural Science, 16 (10). https://doi.org/10.5539/jas.v16n10p1
Ogunremi, J. B., Igbani, F., Onimisi, M. M., & Shetur, C.Y. (2022). Assessment of Fish Farming Practices, Development and Constraints among Fish Farmers in Ibi Local Government Area, Taraba State, Nigeria. Nigerian Agricultural Journal, 53(1), 260-266.
Oguntuase, B, G., & Adebayo, O. T. (2014). Sperm Quality and reproductive performance of male Clarias Gariepinusinduced with synthetic hormones (Ovatide and Ovaprim). International Journal of Fisheries and Aquaculture, 6(1), 9-15. https://doi.org/10.5897/IJFA2013.0364
Oke, I. O., Dada, A. A., Saliu O. R., & Kuyoro, E. B. (2019). Dietary Effects of Desmodium (Desmodiumadscendens) Leaves on the Reproductive Indices in African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) Broodstock. Aquaculture Studies, 19(2), 133-137.
Okoro, C. B., Nwadukwe, F. O., & Ibemere, I. (2007). The use of Ovaprim in oocyte maturation and ovulation in Clarias gariepinus(Burchell, 1822). African Journal of Applied Zoology and Environmental Biology, 9, 83–84.
Okwu, D. E., & Josiah, C. (2006). Evaluation of the chemical composition of two Nigerian plants. African Journal of Biotechnology, 5(4), 357 -361.
Oladosu, G. A., Ayinla, O. A., Adeyemo, A. A., Yakubu, A. F., & Ajani, A. A. (1993). A comparative study of the reproductive capacity of the African catfish species Heterobranchusbidorsalis (Geoffery), Clarias gariepinus(Burchell) and their hydrid “Heteroclarias”, 92, ARAC Technical Paper1–5.
Olaniyi, C., Atoyebi, M., Obafunmiso, H., & Salaam, K. (2020). Effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale) in the nutrition of african catfish-A cholesterol reducer and fertility enhancer. International Journal of Aquaculture and Fishery Sciences, 6(2), 021–028. https://doi.org/10.17352/2455-8400.000052
Olaniyi, W. A., & O. G. Omitogun (2014). Embryonic and larval developmental stages of African giant catfishHeterobranchusbidorsalis (Geoffroy Saint Hilaire, 1809) (Teleostei, Clariidae). SpringerPlus, 3, 677.
Oluyemi, K. A., Jimoh, O. R., Josiah, S. J., Olamide, A. A., Omotuyi, O. I., & Oyesola, T. O. (2007) Effects of crude Ethanolic Extracts of Garcinia cambogia on the Reproductive System of Male Wister Rats (Rattus novergicus). African Journal of Biotechnology, 6(10), 1236-1238.
Pamungkas, W., Arifin, O. Z., Subagja, J., Anggraeni, F., Astuti, D. N., Robisalmi, A., & Puspaningsih, D. (2025). Comparative Analysis of Sperm Quality and Fertilization Potential in Neomales (XX) and Normal Males (XY) of the Bonylip Barb (Osteochilus vittatus). Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Biology & Fisheries, 29(2), 2357–2369.
Radwan, M., Darweesh, K. F., Ghanem, S. F., Abdelhadi, Y., Kareem, Z. H., Christianus, A., Karim, M., Waheed, R. M., & El-Sharkawy, M. A. (2023). Regulatory roles of Pawpaw (Carica papaya) seed extract on growth performance, sexual maturity, and health status with resistance against bacteria and parasites in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Aquaculture International, 31(5), 2475-2493. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10499-023-01094-8
Rainis, S., Mylonas, C. C., Kyriakou, Y., & Divanach, P. (2003). Enhancement of spermiation in European sea bass (Dicentrarchuslabrax) at the end of the reproductive season using GnRHa implants. Aquaculture, 19, 873-890.
Rurangwa, E., Kime, D. E., Ollevier, F., & Nash, J. P. (2004). The measurement of sperm motility and factors affecting sperm quality in cultured fish. Aquaculture, 234(1-4): 1-28.
Sallam, G. R., Fayed, W. M., Elsawaf, M. A., Mabrouk, H. A., Al-Absawey, M. A., Henish, S., El Basuini, M. F., & Shehata, A. I. (2024). Phyto-additive fueling fertility: Nanocurcumin enhances red tilapia foundation stock breeding in saline waters. Aquaculture, 592, 741268. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquaculture.2024.741268
Santhosh, B., & Singh, N. P. (2007). Guidelines for water quality management for fish culture in Tripura, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Tripura Center, Publication no.29.
Sepehrfar, D., Sudagar, M., Paknejad, H., Yousefi S. S., & Norouzitallab, P. (2023). Role of phytochemicals in farmed fish reproductive performance: A review. Iranian Journal of Fisheries Sciences, 22(5), 1039-1068 https://doi.org/10.22092/ijfs.2023.130580
Tanga, B. M., Qamar, A. Y., Raza, S., Bang, S., Fang, X., Yoon, K., & Cho, J. (2021). Semen evaluation: methodological advancements in sperm quality-specific fertility assessment - A review. Animal bioscience, 34(8), 1253–1270. https://doi.org/10.5713/ab.21.0072
TchatatPetnga, Y. B., Tetsatsi Momo, A. C., Wankeu-Nya, M., MunyaliAlumeti, D., BonsouFozin, G. R., Deeh-Defo, P. B., Ngadjui, E., & Watcho, P. (2021). Dracaena arborea (Dracaenaceae) Increases Sexual Hormones and Sperm Parameters, Lowers Oxidative Stress, and Ameliorates Testicular Architecture in Rats with 3 Weeks of Experimental Varicocele. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine, 1378112. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/1378112
Viveen, W. J. A. R., Richter, C. J. J., Van Odot, P. G. W. J., Janssen, J. A. L., & Huisman, E. A. (1985) Practical manual for the culture of the African catfish (Clarias gariepinus). Section for Research and Technology, Ministry for Development Co-operation. The Hague, Netherlands pp: 128.
Watcho, P., Wankeu-Nya, M., Nguelefack, T. B., Tapondjou, L., Taponno, R. B., & Kamanyi. (2007). Pro-sexual effect of Dracaena arborea (Wild) Link (Dracaenaceae) in sexually experienced male rats. Pharmacology online, 1, 1400–419.
Watcho, P., Ngadjui, E., Nkeng-Efouet, P., Nguelefack, T. B. & Albert, K. (2009). Reproductive Effects of Ficus asperifolia (Moraceae) in Female Rats. African Health Science, 9(1), 49-53.
Watcho, P., Tchatat, B. Y. P., Deeh, P. B. D., Georges Romeo BonsouFozin, G. R. B., & Wankeu-Nya, M. (2021). Dracaena arborea improves sperm characteristics and antioxidant enzymes in adult male rats with experimental varicocele. JBRA Assisted Reproduction, 25(3), 329-336. https://doi.org/10.5935/1518-0557.20200098
Zamri, A., Zulperi, Z., Esa, Y., & Syukri, F. (2022). Hormone Application for Artificial Breeding towards Sustainable Aquaculture - A Review. Pertanika Journal of Tropical Agricultural Science, 45(4). https://doi.org/10.47836/pjtas.45.4.11.
Zhang, K., Ye, Z., Qi, M., Cai, W., Saraiva, J. L., Wen, Y., Liu, G., Zhu, Z., Zhu, S. & Zhao, J. (2025). Water quality impact on fish behavior: a review from an aquaculture perspective. Reviews in Aquaculture, 17(1), e12985. https://doi.org/10.1111/raq.12985
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 E. S. Akinnagbe, O. T. Adebayo, S. B. Makinde, N. F. Ogunkunle
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
