Growth performance and blood parameters of juvenile Common carp (Cyprinus carpio) fed with extracts of Padina australis and Gracilaria pygmaea

Abstract

Introduction: This study was carried out to investigate the effects of macroalgae Padina
australis and Gracilaria pygmaea extracts on growth performance and blood parameters of
juvenile Common carp (Cyprinus carpio).
Materials & Methods: Animals were randomly divided into four groups (initial weight 5 g);
control group (basal diet without extracts), and three groups were fed with basal diet
supplemented with 5 g/kg Padina australis, 5g/kg Gracilaria pygmaea and 2/5 g/kg Padina
australis + 2/5 g/kg Gracilaria pygmaea for 8 weeks. Fish were hand fed to apparent satiation
3 times a day and for 8 weeks.
Results: Results showed that growth factors (final fish weight, specific growth rate, weight
gain, condition factor and feed conversion) in fish fed with diet containing macroalgal extracts
(Padina australis, Gracilaria pygmaea and Padina australis + Gracilaria pygmaea) was
significantly higher than the control group. Hemoglobin level and the weight of hemoglobin in
a red blood cell in fish fed with diet containing macroalgal extracts (Padina australis,
Gracilaria pygmaea and Padina australis + Gracilaria pygmaea) was significantly higher than
the control group. The control group had a higher level of triglycerides and cholesterol
compared to the groups fed with diets containing macroalgal extracts (Padina australis,
Gracilaria pygmaea and Padina australis + Gracilaria pygmaea).
Conclusion: Macroalgae extracts can be a good substitute in Common carp diet.