Intestinal Microbiota and Enzymes of Clariobranchus (clarias Gariepinus ♀ Heterobranchus Longifilis ♂) Fed Soursop (annona Muricata) Supplemented Diet

Student: Olayemi Azeezat Oyejide (Project, 2025)
Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries
University of Ilorin, Kwara State

Abstract

This study evaluated the influence of soursop (Annona muricata) leaf powder supplementation on intestinal microbial population and digestive enzyme activities in hybrid. The findings revealed that dietary inclusion of soursop leaf powder catfish (Clarias gariepinus♀ x Heterobranchus longifilis ♂) Five experimental diets containing 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 g/100 g of soursop leaf powder were formulated and fed to the fish over a 56-day period significantly improved the activity of digestive enzymes, amylase, protease, and lipase indicating enhanced digestive efficiency. Furthermore, microbial analysis of intestinal samples showed a decline in fungal and coliform populations with increasing levels of supplementation, alongside a notable increase in Bacillus subtilis, a beneficial bacterium. These changes correlated with the presence of phytochemicals such as flavonoids, alkaloids, and glycosides identified in the supplemented diets. The study concludes that soursop leaf powder serves as an effective natural feed additive, improving gut health and enzymatic functions in hybrid catfish, and supports its application in sustainable aquaculture practices.

Keywords
Soursop leaf intestine photochemical digestive enzymes hind gut
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