Growth response and physiological activities of the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fed basal diets supplemented with ginger (Zingiber officinale) as natural growth promoters

Abstract

n experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of two forms of dehydrated natural antioxidants rhizomes extracts ginger (Zingiber officinale) on growth performance feed utilization and hematological parameters of Oreochromis niloticus fingerlings. Four treatments were applied, two forms of ginger (powder and oil extract), and their mixtures (1:1) of each form, in addition to control group were fed basal diets without supplements of herbs. The experiment was conducted using cement ponds divided into four equal compartments each was stocked with 40 fingerlings oF Nile tilapia with an average initial body weight of 17.1 ± 1.2 g, and body length 10.0 ± 0.7 cm. The experiment lasted for 12 weeks. Generally, growth performance, feed utilization ratios were improved for Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), fed on diets with the two forms of the feed supplements compared to fish fed on the control diet All growth parameters in all supplemented groups increased significantly (P<0.05) as compared to the control group, especially for the fish fed on the mixture, with the highest survival rate. Incorporation of ginger extract improved the antioxidant attributes and reduced quality degradation of test diets during storage at ambient conditions. In terms of liver and blood measurements, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities, these parameters decreased significantly (P<0.05) for fish fed on all treated groups with ginger. Plasma total protein, albumin and globulins of fish fed on the experimental diets significantly increased (P<0.05) for those fed on the ginger, while blood glucose, triglycerides and cholesterol values were significantly decreased (P<0.05) in the same treated groups as compared to the control one. These results revealed that the feeding with a mixture of ginger (powder and oil extract), can promote growth rate, decrease mortality rate and improve the physiological activities in reared fish, and can be potentially used as good sources of antioxidants.

Antioxidants in Fish Sperm and the Potential Role of Melatonin

“…Some fruits and seeds extracts have also been used on animal reproduction and antioxidant studies, including in fish. Extracts from berries (rich in quercetin and catechins) like murtilla [ 141 ] and blueberries proved to inhibit sperm lipid peroxidation in Arctic char [ 6 ], while sesame seed powder diet, containing lignans like sesamin, was able to improve sperm motility duration, hatchability, and egg survival rate in African catfish [ 142 ]. Even algae extracts of Gracilaria sp., containing phenolic compounds, proved to have an antioxidant effect on European seabass challenged with a bacterial infection, decreasing lipid peroxidation and suggesting higher total antioxidant capacity in fish fed with experimental diet [ 143 ].…”

Posibility of Using Medicinal Plants in Fish Diets: Iv- Camphor Dried Leaves

“…Similar results were obtained when Abd El-Hakim (2008) fed brood stock tilapia fish on licorice or ginger included diets, that improved survival rate and led to better feed utilization (to produce 1000 fry). Moreover, Attalla (2009b) mentioned also that feeding with a mixture of ginger (powder and oil extract) can promote all growth parameters and decrease mortality rate of Nile tilapia. These positive effects of most feed additives are due to their active pharmacological (medical) substances.…”

Posibility of Using Medicinal Plants in Fish Diets: Iii- Cresson Seeds

“…Since addition at a level of 1% led to better final weight, gain, SGR, survival and feed conversion. Moreover, Attalla (2009a) mentioned also that feeding with a mixture of ginger (powder and oil extract) can promote all growth parameters and decrease mortality rate of Nile tilapia. These positive effects of most feed additives are due to their active pharmacological (medical) substances.…”