Author(s):

Faiqa Syeed, Paramita Benerjee Sawant, Oyas A Asimi, NK Chadha and MH Balkhi

Abstract: A study was conducted to assess the potential effects of Trigonella foenum graecum (fenugreek), as a feed additive on the growth performance, immuno-haematological responses and protection against the bacterial pathogen, Aeromonas hydrophilla in Cyprinus carpio fingerlings. A control diet and a series of test diets incorporating fenugreek seed at 0.5%, 1% and 1.5% were prepared and fed to the fish daily for eight-weeks. Growth (weight gain, specific growth rate, protein efficiency ratio, feed conversion ratio), haematological (WBC, RBC, haematocrit, haemoglobin content) and biochemical parameters (serum total protein, albumin, globulin, albumin: globulin ratio, blood glucose) were examined among the various treatment groups. The results showed that fenugreek seed as an additive significantly improved survival, weight gain and feed conversion ratio as well as reduced mortalities in the treated groups as compared to the control. Significant increase in erythrocytes, leucocytes, haematocrit, and haemoglobin were observed in treated fish. Significantly higher (p<0.05) serum protein and globulin levels were observed in treated fish groups over the control. Moreover, feeding fenugreek based diet resulted in a reduction in serum glucose in treated fish. In conclusion, fenugreek seed as a feed additive led to the improvement of growth and enhanced the immunity of Cyprinus carpio against Aeromonas hydrophilla infection which is an indication that it could be used as an alternative to antibiotics.

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