Haematological Impacts of Total Aflatoxin and the Ameliorative Potentials of Allium sativum and Curcuma longa in Oreochromis niloticus

Abstract

Abstract Aflatoxins, toxic secondary metabolites produced by fungi such as Aspergillus flavus, pose significant threats to fish health and productivity in aquaculture. This study investigated the haematological and biochemical effects of total aflatoxin exposure and the potential ameliorative properties of two natural additives; garlic (Allium sativum) and turmeric (Curcuma longa) in Oreochromis niloticus. A 10-week feeding trial was conducted using eight dietary treatments including a control, aflatoxin-contaminated feed, and varying inclusion levels (20, 40, 60 g/kg) of garlic and turmeric. Aflatoxin contamination was induced by inoculating formulated feed with A. flavus, and total aflatoxin levels in the diets ranged from 2.59 to 25.43 µg/kg. Results revealed that fish exposed to contaminated diets without supplementation exhibited significant declines in key haematological indices, including haemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell count (RBC), and total protein (TP), indicating systemic stress and impaired physiological function. However, diets supplemented with garlic and turmeric significantly mitigated these adverse effects. The highest haematological improvements were observed in groups receiving 60 g/kg of turmeric and garlic, with notable increases in Hb, WBC, PCV, and RBC levels, as well as improved liver enzyme activity and serum biochemistry markers.