International Journal of Aquaculture, 2026, Vol.16, No.4, 203-212 http://www.aquapublisher.com/index.php/ija 210 supplementation resulted in higher white blood cell and neutrophil counts, indicating a stronger stimulation of innate immune responses. Although the effects of ginger were less pronounced, the blood parameters remained within normal physiological ranges, suggesting that the additive supported normal body functions without adverse effects. An important finding of this study is that the three phytogenic supplements did not produce identical responses. Garlic showed greater influence on erythrocytic parameters, whereas neem exerted stronger effects on immune-related indices. These differences highlight the diverse biological roles of herbal feed additives and suggest that their use can be tailored to specific production goals, whether improving physiological performance, enhancing immunity, or promoting overall fish health. The results also emphasize the importance of evaluating dietary interventions beyond growth performance alone. The relationship observed between dietary quality and haematological responses suggests that nutritional status and physiological wellbeing are closely linked. Consequently, blood-based indicators provide additional information that complements conventional growth measurements and contributes to a more comprehensive assessment of fish welfare. Overall, the findings indicate that garlic, ginger, and neem have considerable potential as functional feed additives in African catfish culture. Their ability to support physiological condition and immune function without reliance on synthetic chemotherapeutic agents highlights their value in sustainable and environmentally responsible aquaculture practices. The findings demonstrate the complementary physiological roles of garlic, ginger, and neem as phytogenic feed additives, supporting their application in sustainable African catfish production. Future research should optimise dietary inclusion levels, evaluate combined herbal formulations, and integrate biochemical, molecular, and commercial performance indicators under long-term farming conditions to strengthen evidence-based nutritional strategies for aquaculture. Conflict of Interest Disclosure The author affirms that this research was conducted without any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. References Akpomughe E., Nwachi O.F., and Awhefeada O.K., 2024, Estimation of genetic diversity in silver catfish (Chrysicthys nigrodigitatus) using random amplified polymorphic DNA, FUDMA Journal of Sciences, 7(6): 110-119. https://doi.org/10.33003/fjs-2023-0706-2177 Awhefeada O.K., Bekederemo B.O., Akpomughe E., and Okpu P.N., 2025, Morphometric characterization, heterosis expression, and growth performance of genetically improved farmed tilapia and red tilapia hybrids for sustainable aquaculture development, Journal of Science Research and Reviews, 2(2): 145-155 https://doi.org/10.70882/josrar.2025.v2i2.102 Dawood M.A., Noreldin A.E., and Sewilam H., 2022, Blood biochemical variables, antioxidative status, and histological features of tissues of African catfish exposed to stress, Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 29(37): 56357-56369. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-022-19702-0 Ekpemikoghene I.E., Arimiche N.A., and Kesena E.J., 2024, Length-weight relationship of Clarias gariepinus fed plant extracts, FUDMA Journal of Sciences, 8(2): 217-224. https://doi.org/10.33003/fjs-2024-0802-2348 Fregene B.T., Yossa R., Karisa H.C., Olaniyi A., and Bolorunduro P., 2024, Extension manual on quality low-cost fish feed formulation, Gates Open Research, 8(69): 69. https://doi.org/10.21955/gatesopenres.1117112.1 Ibrahim R.E., Elshopakey G.E., Abdelwarith A.A., Younis E.M., Ismail S.H., Ahmed A.I., et al., 2023, Chitosan neem nanocapsule enhances immunity in Nile tilapia, Heliyon, 9(9). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19354 Imron I., Iswanto B., Suparapto R., and Marnis H., 2020, Development of genetically improved farmed African catfish, Clarias gariepinus: A review and lessons learned from Indonesian fish breeding program, IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 593(1): 012032. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/593/1/012032
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