Role of Pedalium murex in the enhancement of growth, metabolism and immunity of Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1822) fingerlings.

Abstract

The effect of dietary ethanolic extract of Pedalium murex (Bada Gokshru) on growth, metabolism and hemato immunological parameters of an Indian Major Carp, Labeo rohitafingerlings were studied. Fishes were fed with an experimental diet containing four graded levels (0.0, 0.06, 0.08 and 0.1 g/100 g diet) of Pedalium murex. Net weight gain, specific growth rate (SGR) and food conversion ratio significantly (p < 0.05) improved in Pedalium murex fed fish. Still the highest weight gain and specific growth rate (SGR) were recorded in 0.08 g/100 gmPedalium murex supplemented diet. The increase in digestive enzymes (i.e. protease, amylase and lipase) supported the results of the increase in growth of treatment level 0.08 g/100 gm. Whereas, the enzymes of protein metabolism were found the increased in herbal extract supplemented group as compared to control. Further, the haematological parameters such as packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb) and erythrocytes (RBC) were not significantly different in Pedalium murex supplemented diets fed fish. A significant (P < 0.05) proliferation of the leukocytes (WBC) and improvement in respiratory burst activity was observed. The results of this study proved the significant role of ethanolic extract of Pedalium murex in on growth, metabolism and immunity defence mechanism of Labeo rohita fingerlings.