This work aimed to investigate the effect of dietary fenugreek seeds and liquorice roots on
growth performance, immune status, antioxidant and stress resistance in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis
niloticus). For this, five groups of fish each in duplicate were used, the 1st 2 groups were fed daily on
experimental diets 1% and 2% (wt/wt) fenugreek; the 2nd 2 groups were received 1% and 2 %
(wt/wt) liquorice and the remaining group was fed on control diet for 90 days. Growth performance
(ABW, WG, WGR, SGR, L and LGR) and intestino-somatic index of fish fed 2% fenugreek
supplemented diet were significantly increased (P < 0.05) compared to control. Hematological
parameters (RBCs, WBCs, PCV, hemoglobin concentration and DLC) revealed significant increase
in groups fed 2 % fenugreek and 2% liquorice. Serum total protein and globulin were significantly
increased in groups received 1 and 2 % liquorice supplemented diets. Liver enzyme (ALT) in fish
fed 1 and 2 % liquorice diets was lower than control. Blood cortisol and glucose showed significant
decrease with 1 % fenugreek. Liquorice treated groups exhibited significant decrease in lactate
dehydrogenase (LDH). Hepatic antioxidant enzymes [(SOD), (CAT), and (GSH)] showed significant
increase with 2 % dietary fenugreek and 2% liquorice, while Malondialdehyde (MDA) was
significantly decreased compared to control. Post feeding, sub-groups of fish were exposed to 6 days
starvation and hypoxia stress and the results showed that, cortisol and glucose levels were
significantly decreased in groups fed 2 % fenugreek and liquorice treated diets and the antioxidant
enzymes SOD, CAT and GSH response were characterized by significant improvement with lower
oxidative stress (MDA) level compared to control. Results suggested that dietary supplementation of
fenugreek seeds and liquorice roots enhance growth performance and improve resistance against
starvation and hypoxia in Oreochromis niloticus. |
