The effect of dietary Aloe vera Aloe barbadensis supplementation on growth performance and survival of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss

Abstract

Considering the increasing need for sustainable growth enhancers in aquaculture, we aimed to evaluate the effects of various levels of Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) powder on growth performance, feed utilization, and survival of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). The experiment lasted 90 days, involving 600 fish (Average weight 8.35±0.33 g) distributed into 12 cement raceways with four dietary treatments: 0%, 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% Aloe vera supplementation. At the end of the trial, growth performance, feed utilization, and survival rates were analyzed. The results indicated that dietary Aloe vera at 0.5% significantly improved growth performance and feed conversion ratios (p0.05). Based on these findings, a 0.5% inclusion of Aloe vera is recommended to enhance growth performance in rainbow trout, while higher levels should be avoided due to potential adverse effects.