ABSTRACT: Sustainable and stable production of fish larvae requires diet that will enhance efficient nutrient utilization and growth performance. Sixteen weeks experiment was designed to investigate the effects of unprocessed dried leaves of Mucuna utilis (UDLMU) and Vernonia amygdalina (UDLVA) on hematology, histology and growth performance of Clarias gariepinus. Fish meal was replaced with UDLMU and UDLVA at different graded levels (0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%). Growth parameters, hematology and histology of vital internal organs were determined according to standard procedures. Data obtained were analysed using ANOVA and Duncan multiple range test was used to separate the means. Mean weight gain (MWG) of 0% (15.00±1.11g) was significantly higher P<0.05 than other treatments. White blood cell (WBC) count varied significantly P<0.05 at 100% (14150± 9.87g/l) level of inclusion. Degeneration of tubular epithelial cells occurred in the kidneys of fish fed 75% level of UDLMU and UDLVA. Moderate atrophy of hepatic plates and diffuse swelling of hepatocytes were observed in the liver of fish fed 75% and 100% graded levels. In this study, values obtained shows that increased level of UDLMU and UDLVA and presence of anti-nutritional factors in the diets affected growth performance and dysfunction of liver and kidney of C. gariepinus.
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