16. Growth performance and immune response of Labeo rohita under the dietary supplementation of black seed (Nigella sativa)

Abstract

Black seed (Nigella sativa) is used as a natural immuno-stimulant in the feed of various farmed animals. In this study, the effect of three dietary inclusion levels of N. sativa was assessed on growth performance and immune response of Labeo rohita for 8 weeks. Growth parameters in terms of weight (g), length (cm), feed conversion ratio and specific growth rate (SGR) along with immunity response parameters including white blood cells, lysozyme activity, and globulins protein were measured in this study. All the recorded growth and immunity parameters showed a significantly different outcome at the end of the experimental trial. The group fed by 4% black seed showed the highest increase in weight gain (14.20±0.621 g) increase in length (2.26±0.11 cm) specific growth rate (1.34±0.45) and best value of feed conversion ratio (2.27±0.56) followed by 3% and 2%. Among the immunity parameters, group of fish fed by 4% black seed in the diet showed an increase in white blood cell count (198 10³/μL ±3.78), globulin protein (23.66 mg/dl ±1.21) and lysozyme activity (60.66 µl/ml ±1.20) followed by 3% and 2%. Inferences of this study reveal that N. sativa improves the growth and immunity of L. rohita.

Keywords: Globulin; Length; Lysozyme activity; Weight; White blood cells

http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2020.90248