Use of Aqueous Extracts of Avocado Pear, Pyrus Communis, Leaf as Anaesthetic in Gonadectomy of African Catfish, Clarias gariepinus

摘要

This study was carried out to determine the efficacy and effective concentration of avocado pear (Pyrus communis) leaf extract as an anaesthetic in gonadectomy of Clarias gariepinus broodstocks. Fresh avocado leaves were harvested, water extracted, and applied at 0 (control), 100, 130, 160, and 190ml/l to C. gariepinus broodstocks. Onset of individual phases of anaesthesia and recovery rate was determined. Gonadectomy was then carried out on individual anaesthetized fish and the time taken was recorded. Aqueous extracts of avocado pear leaf at concentrations ranging from 130-190 ml/l induced general anaesthesia. The recovery rate was concentration-dependent but non-linear, with a significant threshold in efficacy between 130 and 190 ml/l. There was no mortality recorded during the experimental period. The effective concentration of avocado pear leaf extracts that best sustained the gonadectomy was 190 ml/l with a recovery time of 12 minutes.