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DIETARY TURMERIC (Curcuma longa) ENHANCES GROWTH, ANTIOXIDANT DEFENSE, AND IMMUNITY IN Cirrhinus mrigala

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Aquaculture is pivotal in addressing global food security, yet intensive practices compromise fish health and productivity. This study investigated the efficacy of dietary turmeric (Curcuma longa) supplementation as a natural alternative in Cirrhinus mrigala, a species critical to South Asian aquaculture. A 60-day feeding trial evaluated four diets: control (0% turmeric), 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5% turmeric inclusion. Results demonstrated that 1.0% turmeric significantly enhanced growth performance, with a 28% increase in final body weight (19.6 ± 1.4 g vs. 15.7 ± 1.1 g in control; p< 0.01) and improved feed conversion ratio (1.4 ± 0.2 vs. 1.7 ± 0.2; p= 0.004). Antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, GPx) increased by 34–53%, while lipid peroxidation (MDA) decreased by 29% (p = 0.001), indicating robust oxidative stress mitigation. Immunological assays revealed a 65% rise in lysozyme activity and 70% higher phagocytic capacity (p< 0.01), underscoring turmeric’s immunostimulatory potential. The hepatosomatic index decreased by (1.3 ± 0.2% vs. 1.4 ± 0.2%; p = 0.038), suggesting increased metabolic efficiency. These findings highlight 1.0% turmeric as the optimal dosage, offering a sustainable strategy to augment aquaculture productivity while reducing reliance on antibiotics

Source: Science Journal of University of Zakho

DOI: 10.25271/sjuoz.2025.13.4.1688

Authors: Ali Hassan, Kajeen hassan Jasim, Nizar J. Hussein, Ayesha Shahid, Muhammad Owais

Institutions: Ghazi University, Cihan University - Duhok, University of Zakho, Government College University, Lahore

Language: English

Topic: Aquaculture Nutrition and Growth

Subfield: Aquatic Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $100