Effect of ethanolic extract of Mucuna pruriens on growth, metabolism and immunity of Labeo rohita (Hamilton,1822) fingerlings.

Abstract

The effect of dietary ethanolic extract of Mucuna pruriens on growth, metabolism and haemato-immunological parameters of an Indian Major Carp, Labeo rohita fingerlings were studied. Fishes were fed with a diet containing four graded levels (0.0, 0.06, 0.08 and 0.1 g/100 g diet) of Mucuna pruriens. Net weight gain, specific growth rate (SGR) and food conversion ratio varied significantly (p < 0.05) improved in Mucuna pruriens fed fish. Still the highest weight gain and specific growth rate (SGR) were recorded in 0.06 g/100 gmMucuna pruriens supplemented diet. The increase in digestive enzymes like protease, amylase and lipase supported the results of increase in growth at treatment level 0.06g/100gm.The metabolic enzymes like LDH, MDH and G6PDH levels were decreased in herbal extract supplemented groups. Whereas, the enzymes of protein metabolism were found increased in herbal extract supplemented group in comparison to control. Further, the haematological parameters such as packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin concentration (Hb) and erythrocytes (RBC) were not significantly different in Mucuna prurienssupplemented diets as compared to control. A significant (P < 0.05) proliferation of the leukocytes (WBC) and improvement in respiratory burst activity. The results of this study proved the significant role of ethanolic extract of Mucuna pruriens in growth, metabolism and immunity defence mechanism of Labeo rohita fingerlings.