Abstract:
The impact of Nigella sativa (commonly known as black seed) as a dietary supplement was investigatedon the growth, blood characteristics, and serum biochemical parameters of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) in this research. The study comprised three diets: control diet with no Nigella sativa addition and two experimental diets (T1 and T2) containing 2.5% and 5% of Nigella sativa seed extracts, respectively. Each aquarium contained ten fish with one replicate. Results indicated that fish fed with diets containing control diets of 2.5% and 5% of Nigella sativa had significant weight gain, specific growth ratio, and feed conversion ratio compared to the control group. Hematological analysis revealed that white blood cell (WBC) and red blood cell (RBC) counts were higher in T2compared to other groups, thus suggesting positive health effects of black seed on grass carp. Analysis of the fish body composition revealed substantial variations in moisture, crude protein, ash content, and dry matter based on the concentration of black seed extracts. Fish fed with enriched diets also had lower metabolic enzyme levels (alanine aminotransferase ALT, aspartate aminotransferase AST, and alkaline phosphatase ALP) and cortisol levels in their blood serum compared to the control group. Moreover, the analysis of various parameters showed a significant change compared to the control group i.e. urea (mg/dl): 3.04 to 2.22, creatinine (mg/dl): 0.152 to 0.092, ALP (U/l): 439.6 to 367.8, ALT (U/l): 26.41 to 24.01, and AST (U/l): 26.1 to 17.31. The study concludes that Nigella sativa is safe for grass carp and is a cost-effective natural growth promoter and immunity booster available in local markets of Pakistan that could be included in the diet of grass carp in fish hatcheries across the country.
Page(s):
398-398
DOI:
DOI not available
Published:
Journal: Abstract Book on International Conference on Food and Applied Sciences (ICFAS-23) 3-5 August 23, Volume: 0, Issue: 0, Year: 2023
Keywords:
Nigella sativa
,
growth performance
,
Grass carp
,
biochemical analysis