EFFECTS OF DIETARY PHYTASE AND ORGANIC ACIDS ON NUTRIENT UTILIZATION AND ANTIOXIDANT STATUS IN Clarias gariepinus

The present study was conducted to examine the effect of phytase and organic acids (OA) on growth parameters such as final body weight(g), weight gain (%) Specific growth rate (%/day), FCR, Survival (%), nutrient digestibility, body composition, and oxidative stress biomarkers in African catfish (Clarias gariepinus). The six dietary treatments for 60 days were designed: control (0% OA, 0 phytase), 2% OA, 4% OA, 0% OA + phytase, 2% OA + phytase, and 4% OA + phytase, each with three replicates. The significant (p < 0.05) results were found on the inclusion of phytase and OA on growth and nutrient utilization. The highest final body weight (7.4 ± 0.3 g), weight gain (460.6 ± 31%), specific growth rate (3.3 ± 0.3%/day), and the lowest feed conversion ratio (1.5 ± 0.2) were found in the 2% OA + phytase group. Apparent digestibility coefficients for dry matter, protein, and phosphorus were maximized at 46.7 ± 1.3%, 77.2 ± 1.4%, and 48.0 ± 1.4%, respectively (p = 0.007), while fecal phosphorus significantly decreased (0.8 ± 0.04 g/kg). Vertebral phosphorus and calcium contents were enhanced significantly (p < 0.05) in the combined supplement group. Oxidative stress markers revealed lower ROS (66.5 ± 1.8), SOD (144 ± 2.6 U/mL), and MDA (5.25 ± 0.14 nmol/mg) levels in the 2% OA + phytase group, indicating enhanced antioxidant defense (p = 0.005). These outcomes indicate that 2 OA inclusion with phytase improves growth, nutrient digestibility, mineral retention, and antioxidant balance in C. gariepinus