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Dietary impact of Alfalfa on growth performance, biochemical profile, and resistance against Aeromonas hydrophila in fingerlings of common carp

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Abstract

The present study investigates the effects of dietary alfalfa, Medicago sativa leaves, on growth performance, carcass composition, enzymatic activity, biochemical indices, intestinal histomorphometry, and disease resistance in fingerlings of common carp, Cyprinus carpio L. A feeding trial of 60 days was carried out in which common carp fingerlings were fed on experimental diets supplemented with alfalfa extract at rates of 0.0% (T0) control, 0.25% (T1), 0.50% (T2), 0.75% (T3), and 1.0% (T4). At the end of the feeding trial, specific growth rate, protein efficiency ratio, and feed conversion ratio improved significantly (P < 0.05) in groups fed on diet supplemented with alfalfa in a dose-dependent manner. The blood biochemical parameters and the activity of the digestive enzymes were significantly (P < 0.05) elevated in the alfalfa supplemented groups in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, T4 had significantly (P < 0.05) more protein in fish carcasses than the control group. Intestinal histomorphometry and the relative percent survival following the challenge trial with Aeromonas hydrophila were also significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced by dietary alfalfa. The study concludes that alfalfa extract possesses antioxidant and immune-enhancing potential, which by improving growth and increasing the capacity to combat bacterial infections in fish proves beneficial for sustainable aquaculture.

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All data generated or analyzed during this study can be available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by grant/award no. 324409: 21/06/2015 (i) EU-V from UGC to the author (Basharat Ali). No other funding support was availed.

Funding

UGC-DAE Consortium for Scientific Research,University Grants Commission, 324409 ,Basharat Ali

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Zoology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India

    Basharat Ali, Yogesh Kumar Rawal, Chhomo Thayes &  Sidharth

  2. Sher-E-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Srinagar, Kashmir, India

    Oshin Dhillon

  3. Department of Zoology, RKSD (PG) College, Kaithal, Haryana, 136027, India

    Gagan Mittal

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  1. Basharat Ali
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Contributions

The authors have contributed to the research reported with no conflict of interest among them. Conceptualization: B.A. and Y.K.R. Formal analysis: B.A., Y.K.R., and O.D.. Methodology: B.A., C.T., and S. Investigation: B.A., Y.K.R., C.T., and S. Validation: B.A., Y.K.R., and G.M. Writing—original draft: B.A. Writing—review and editing: Y.K.R., O.D., and G.M. All authors have read and approved the manuscript before submission and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved.

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Ali, B., Rawal, Y.K., Dhillon, O. et al. Dietary impact of Alfalfa on growth performance, biochemical profile, and resistance against Aeromonas hydrophila in fingerlings of common carp. Fish Sci 90, 453–465 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12562-024-01757-2

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