Evaluation non-Conventional Diets (Rosemary Leaves (Rosmarinus officinalis) and Ginger Root (Zingiber officinale) on Growth Performance, Feed Utilization and Immune Response of Red Tilapia Fingerlings (Oreochromis sp.)

Abstract

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of dietary inclusion of different levels of Ginger rhizome and Rosemary leaves on growth rates, feed utilization and immune response of red tilapia. 140 fish were distributed in 14 glass aquaria for all experiments ten fingerlings per aquarium with an average initial weight 6.1±0.2 g and an average initial length 6.4 ±0.5 cm. The experiment includes seven treatments (two replicates). T1 group was used as control. T2, T3 and T4 groups were fed the experimental diets adding Rosemary leaves (0.5%, 1% and 1.5% respectively) and T5, T6 and T7 groups were fed the experimental diets adding ginger rhizome (0.5%, 1% and 1.5% respectively). Fish were fed diets containing 30 % crude protein twice a day with an adjustment of the feeding rate by 3% day of the live weight of the fish. This experiment lasted for 14 weeks. At the end of experiment, body weight, length and chemical analysis of whole body of red Tilapia were measured to determine productive performance, feed utilization and blood parameters. The results of growth parameters indicated that T4 recorded high values for most growth parameters and feed utilization. T1 recorded the highest condition factor. Values of composition of blood parameters showed significant variations among all fish groups. In conclusion, the Rosemary leaves could be added to red Tilapia diets to improve growth rates, feed utilization and immune response.