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Effects of dietary nano and macro iron oxide (Fe2O3) on the growth, biochemical, and hematological profiles of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) fingerlings

ABSTRACT Effects of nano and macro iron oxide as dietary iron sources on the growth, hematological, and biochemical characteristics of African catfish, Clarias gariepinus, fingerlings have been studied. Conventional basal feed was supplemented with nFe2O3 and Fe2O3 as treatments T1 and T2 (each at 0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, 1.2, and 1.6 g/kg supplementation levels) and given to C. gariepinus fingerlings (initial average weight and length 5.01 ± 0.80 g and 7.0 ± 0.53 cm respectively) for 7 weeks. After 7 weeks, the highest percent weight gains of 395.6% for T1 and 767.4% for T2 occurred simultaneously at the supplementation level of 0.4 g Fe kg−1 dry feed of both treatments, while the highest value for the control was 332.5%. Iron accumulations in liver were 2.727, 1.443, and 1.225 ppm, and red blood cell counts were 2.3, 6.0, and 7.0 x 1012/l for the same treatments. Supplementation of iron oxide in both nano and macro forms significantly improved the growth and health indices of C. gariepinus up to a concentration of 0.4 g Fe kg−1 dry feed. Also macro iron oxide was more effective than the nano form in enhancing fish growth within the supplementation levels (0.2−1.6 g kg−1) considered.