Influence of Dietary Mandrake (Mandragora officinarum) Root Powder on Water Quality in the Culture of Clarias gariepinus Hatchlings

Authors

  • Jibrin, B., Shua’ibu, N., Abdulrasheed, H., Azimat, A., Ahmed, F. and Maisheru, J. A. Department of Fisheries Technology, Federal Polytechnic, Bali, Taraba State, Nigeria. National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency, Jega, Kebbi State, Nigeria. No. 9 Lamido Kebbi Street, Wuro Hausa, Yola Town, Adamawa State, Nigeria. National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency, Billiri, Gombe State, Nigeria.

Keywords:

Aquaculture, Clarias gariepinus, Phytogenic Additive, Water Quality, Mandragora officinarum, Hatchlings.

Abstract

The Influence of dietary mandrake (Mandragora officinarum) root powder on water quality in the culture of Clarias gariepinus hatchlings were evaluated over a 28-day period. Mandrake root powder, used as a phytogenic additive, was incorporated into Coppens fish feed (0.2–0.5 mm; 49% crude protein) at inclusion levels of 0.0 g/100 g (MR1) (control), 0.25 g/100 g (MR2), 0.5 g/100 g (MR3), 0.75 g/100 g (MR4), and 1.0 g/100 g (MR5), each in triplicate. A total of 1,500 hatchlings (mean weight: 0.25 ± 0.0 g) were randomly distributed into 15 plastic tanks (100 fish per tank). Water temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, and ammonia were measured at the start of the experiment and monitored weekly. Data obtained were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) at a significance level of P < 0.05. Results indicated that temperature ranged from 27.71 to 27.81 °C, pH from 7.55 to 7.70, dissolved oxygen from 5.50 to 5.66 mg/L, and ammonia from 0.03 to 0.04 mg/L across treatments. No significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed in all measured parameters among treatment groups. The findings suggest that dietary inclusion of mandrake root powder at the tested levels does not adversely affect water quality and is safe for use in the culture of C. gariepinus hatchlings.

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Published

24-09-2026

How to Cite

Jibrin, B., Shua’ibu, N., Abdulrasheed, H., Azimat, A., Ahmed, F. and Maisheru, J. A. (2026). Influence of Dietary Mandrake (Mandragora officinarum) Root Powder on Water Quality in the Culture of Clarias gariepinus Hatchlings. NABDA JOURNAL OF BIOTECHNOLOGY RESEARCH, 5(5), 62–65. Retrieved from https://journals.nbrda.gov.ng/njbr/article/view/265

Issue

Vol. 5 No. 5 (2026): Special Issue 6: Proceedings of Bioresources Development Conference (BDC26): The Cross Link Between Bioresources And Biotechnology

Section

Articles

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