Hematology and Serum Biochemistry Ofclarias Gariepinusfed With Fortified Yusoye Or22 Strain, Staphylococcus Sciuri Diets

The present study was conducted to evaluate the hematological and serum biochemical responses of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings fed with diets fortified with the Yusoye OR22 strain of Staphylococcus sciuri, a bacterium isolated from fish pond sediment. The research aimed to explore the potential immunomodulatory and physiological effects of incorporating this bacterial strain into aquaculture diets, as a safer alternative to synthetic antibiotics. A total of 180 fingerlings with an average initial weight of 8.6 ± 0.5 g were randomly distributed into six treatment groups, each replicated thrice, and fed formulated diets containing graded inclusion levels (0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, and 5%) of S. sciuri over an 8-week period. The experimental setup was designed in a completely randomized layout, and standard water quality parameters were maintained. At the end of the feeding trial, blood samples were collected for hematological and serum biochemical analysis using established protocols. Results showed that red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin concentration (Hb), and packed cell volume (PCV) remained within physiological ranges across all treatments, indicating that erythropoietic function and oxygen transport capacity were not compromised by the dietary intervention. White blood cell (WBC) counts and globulin levels were significantly elevated in the higher inclusion groups (TRT4 and TRT5), suggesting an immunostimulatory response. Other parameters such as mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), platelets, serum total protein, albumin, glucose, cholesterol, urea, and creatinine showed no adverse deviations, supporting the biological safety of S. sciuri at moderate dietary levels. The findings demonstrate that the Yusoye OR22 strain of Staphylococcus sciuri, when incorporated into the diet of C. gariepinus, may enhance certain hematological and immune parameters without negatively affecting metabolic or organ function. This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on functional feeds and supports the exploration of beneficial microbes in aquaculture nutrition as a sustainable strategy for improving fish health and disease resistance.