| Summary: | The effect of dietary cinnamon supplementation on the growth, haematology, serum biochemistry, intestinal microbiota and enzymes and histomorphological changes of the intestine, liver and kidney of juvenile heteroclarias (Clarias gariepinus ♀ Heterobranchus bidorsalis ♂) was assessed in a 56-day feeding trial. Five 38% crude protein experimental diets were formulated to contain a cinnamon powder that was included at a rate of 0% (DT1), 0.5% (DT2), 1% (DT3),1,5% (DT4) and 2% (DT5). Each diet was allotted to a triplicate group of fish (n=15 fish/ replicate tank 8.55± 0.12 cm average length) in a completely randomized design. There was a significant increase (p<0.05) in the growth performance parameters, haematological indices, antioxidant and hindgut enzyme activities with cinnamon supplementation. With DT4-fed having the highest values of these parameters. The cinnamon-fed groups all except the DT2-fed group had significantly (p<0.05) lower total cholesterol levels than the control group. When compared to the control group, the blood glucose, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine level in the cinnamon-fed group decreases significantly (p<0.05). The serum alanine aminotransferases (ALT) were statistically similar (p>0.05) among the dietary groups. Bacteria counts were heightened significantly (p<0.05) with cinnamon supplementation when compared to the control. The contrast was the results for fungi count with diversity indices in favour of DT4 dietary group. The amylase, cellulase and trypsin activity of the cinnamon-fed group was significantly (p<0.05) elevated when compared to those of the control group. The intestine, liver and kidney microstructures were well preserved with no features of injury recorded.
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