Growth performance and survival in goldfish (Carassius auratus) fed with different levels of pomegranate peel powder (Punica granatum)

Abstract

Introduction: Achieving the sustainable development of aquaculture requires the use of
new techniques, in which different strategies have been used, and the use of plant extracts,
phytochemicals, and plant secondary metabolites due to their cheapness, availability, few
side effects, and effective compounds and diverse has increased. This study was conducted
to evaluate the growth and survival indicators of goldfish (Carassius auratus) fed with
different levels of pomegranate peel powder (Punica granatum).
Materials & Methods: 300 pieces of goldfish (Carassius auratus), apparently healthy, had
passed the winter period in the pool environment, based on a completely random design,
20 pieces of goldfish with an average weight of 17.39±1.71 grams were distributed in 12
tanks. Then, they were reared with the basic diet as a control diet and three experimental
diets containing 1, 2, and 4% of pomegranate peel powder.
Results: The initial weight was not significantly different in any of the treatments (P<0.05),
but the highest percentage of body weight increase, specific growth rate, final weight, and
body weight increase observed in the 4% treatment, which showed a significant difference
with the other treatments (P>0.05); The food conversion ratio decreased in the treatments
compared to the control group, and the fourth treatment showed a significant difference
from the control (P<0.05); Also, an increase and maintenance of 100% survival were
observed in fish (P<0.05).
Conclusion: According to the results of the use of herbal supplements such as pomegranate
peel powder with antioxidant properties, by increasing the secretion of digestive enzymes,
they lead to improved growth performance and increased nutrient absorption, and
according to the findings, the amount of 4% pomegranate peel powder in the goldfish diet
to improve growth performance and survival is recommended.