Utilization of Decocted Garlic Clove (Allium sativum) in Inducing Sedation and Anesthesia in Oreochromis niloticus: A Potential Substitute to Tricaine Methanesulfonate (MS-222)

Abstract

MS-222 is a popular anaesthetic agent used in aquatic species, and is intended for the temporary immobilisation of fish, amphibians, and other aquatic cold-blooded animals. It has long been recognised as a valuable tool for the proper handling of these animals during manual spawning (fish stripping), weighing, measuring, marking, surgical operations, transport, photography, and research. This study assessed the effect of the garlic clove (Allium sativum)in inducing sedation and anaesthesia in Oreochromis niloticus and evaluated if it has potential as a substitute to tricaine methanesulfonate (MS-222). The result shows that garlic clove was capable of causing sedation and anaesthesia in Nile tilapia before tagging. In utilising80g/L bathe concentrations, the time of sedation effects ranges from 3 to 4 minutes. However, using 100g/L bathe concentration, the time of sedation effects ranges from 2 to 3 minutes. Statistically stated, that 3treatments were significantly different with each other. These indicate that the 3treatments have different effects. Moreover, all experimental fishes were successfully tagged using floytag. Allium sativumc also gives a quick recovery time compared to the tricaine methanesulfonate. Still, MS-222 has the best effect in causing sedation and anaesthesia to the Nile tilapia. On the other hand, regarding availability, garlic clove is convenient and inexpensive than MS-222,which is available only in foreign countries and is costly.