Effect of Smoked and Oven-dried Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) on Haematological Parameters, Liver and Antioxidant Enzymes of Wistar Rats

Catfish is a traditional part of the diet of a large section of the world’s population. This study compared the effect of smoked and oven-dried catfish on hematological parameters, liver and antioxidant enzymes of wistar rats. Catfish samples were processed by smoking and oven-drying and used for formulation of the experimental feeds. Twenty one wistar rats were acclimatized for seven (7) days, weighed and allotted into three dietary treatments; control (standard feed), smoked and oven-dried fed groups. The study was conducted for a period of 21 days. Haematological analysis was carried out using haematology auto-analyzer. Liver enzymes (Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase(AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT)) were assayed using standard assay kits while antioxidant enzymes were assayed using spectrophotometric method. The result revealed a significant increase (P<0.05) in the body weights of rats maintained on experimental feeds; oven-dried catfish fed group (240.83±6.13g), smoked catfish fed group (246.83±4.97g). There were no significant difference (P>0.05) in the haematological parameters of the treatment groups except in their total red blood cell counts, mean cell volume and mean cell hemoglobin. A non-significant difference (p>0.05) was observed in the antioxidant enzymes (SOD and CAT) of the test groups, indicating the absence of oxidative stress. The results of this research showed that both drying methods (oven and smoke drying) did not affect the palatability of the diets as the experimental diets were accepted by the experimental animals and their weight significantly improved. However, both diets have deleterious effects on the blood; hence, individuals with severe cases of anaemia and other blood disorders are encouraged to avoid them.