Effects of neem (Azadirachta Indica) leaf powder on intestinal hstomorphology and growth performance in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings
| dc.contributor.author | Mitao, Wilbert Gaudence | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2026-01-17T16:36:18Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2026-01-17T16:36:18Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2024 | |
| dc.description | Dissertation | |
| dc.description.abstract | The application of leaves from neem tree (Azadirachta indica) as dietary feed additive in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fish is gaining attention worldwide due to its effectiveness and minimal side effects on the aquatic environment. As a phytomedicine has been included in juvenile Nile tilapia diets at inclusion levels of 2–8 g/kg feed to control reproduction, by exerting degenerative histological changes on gonadal tissues of Nile tilapia fish. However, a slow growth rate and lowered feed utilization were reported in juvenile Nile tilapia post-exposure to neem compounded feeds. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of neem leaf powder (NLP) on intestinal histomorphology in tilapia fish and its association with growth performance. A total of 180 Nile tilapia fingerlings were randomly distributed in four groups (n = 30 for growth performance, n = 15 for intestinal histomorphology) and kept in a clear-water recirculation aquaculture system (RAS). A total of 45 fingerlings used in control groups, while 135 used in treated groups. The fish received NLP at concentrations of 0 g, 1 g, 4 g, and 8 g for each kilogram of Nile tilapia commercial feed and the experiment was conducted for 90 days. Results showed that the inclusion of NLP at 4 g/Kg feed significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced weight gain (WG), percent weight gain (PWG), daily weight gain (DWG), and specific growth rate (SGR) in comparison to treated groups given NLP 1 g and 8 g/kg feed and the control group. A higher survival rate (P < 0.05) was recorded in the group fed NLP at 8 g/Kg feed. Values for intestinal histomorphometry (villous height) in the middle/spiral intestine in the group fed 8 g/Kg feed were significantly lower (p < 0.05) than in the control group. Moreover, compared to the control group, the treated group on early exposure to NLP (Days 0–3) had increased TNF-α and single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) expression. The TNF-α was associated with significant (p < 0.05) increased expression of TNF-α in all portions of the intestines and pancreatic regions compared. This was reflected by the inflammatory effect in the proximal, middle, and distal intestines. But on long-term exposure (Day 30–90), all treated groups and all three intestinal portions experienced epithelial recovery associated with decreased expression of TNF-α and ssDNA. In conclusion, there was an adaptation in long-term exposure to the used NLP doses on Nile tilapia fingerlings, and the inclusion from one up to 4 g of NLP per Kg feed has no detrimental effect on intestinal morphology and promotes growth and feed utilization. | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://www.suaire.sua.ac.tz/handle/20.500.14820/7222 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | Sokoine University of Agriculture | |
| dc.subject | Nile tilapia | |
| dc.subject | Neem plant | |
| dc.subject | Intestine | |
| dc.subject | Histomorphology | |
| dc.subject | TNF-α | |
| dc.subject | ssDNA | |
| dc.subject | Growth performance | |
| dc.subject | Histomorphometry | |
| dc.title | Effects of neem (Azadirachta Indica) leaf powder on intestinal hstomorphology and growth performance in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings | |
| dc.type | Thesis |