Histopathology, Haematology and Carcass Quality of Clarias Gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) Post-fingerling Fed Fresh and Dried Housefly (Muca domestica) Maggot

Abstract

This study evaluates the histopathology, hematology, and carcass quality of C. gariepinus post-fingerlings fed fresh and dried housefly maggots, addressing the increasing demand for quality, affordable feed in aquaculture. Conducted at the Fisheries Department, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria, the experiment involved 90 C. gariepinus divided into three groups: one fed fresh housefly maggots, another dried maggots, and a control group on commercial feed. Proximate analysis showed that dry maggot meal had 28.80% protein, 17.90% fat, and 23.90% carbohydrates. The control group had the highest total length, weight, liver weight, and fillet weight (p<0.05). However, fish on dry maggot feed showed the highest villi width and goblet cell number in the intestine, indicating better nutrient absorption. Haematological parameters, such as hemoglobin, red blood cells, and white blood cells, were highest in fish fed dried maggot meal, suggesting improved health status. Fish fed with maggot meal also showed higher enzyme activities (catalase and glutathione S-transferase), while histopathological examination revealed mild liver vacuolation and congestion in fish fed with fresh maggots. Overall, the study concludes that dried housefly maggot meal is a promising alternative to fishmeal due to its positive effects on growth, haematological indices, and intestinal morphology. The study recommends further investigation into anti-nutritional factors, optimization of feed formulations, scaling up production, and assessing the safety of maggot meal for other species.