The effect of Shilajit on growth performance, blood parameters, and key liver enzymes of the common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Ahmed Et Al., Arafat R.

doi:10.21608/ejabf.2023.312094

The effect of Shilajit on growth performance, blood parameters, and key liver enzymes of the common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Arafat R. Ahmed et al.

10.21608/ejabf.2023.312094

Abstract

Natural additives are crucial to maintaining healthy aquaculture practices as they boost fish wellness, reduce related environmental problems, and improve productivity. The current study aims to assess the effect of shilajit on common carp (Cyprinus carpio) metabolites, such as blood parameters, liver function, and growth performance. The fish were fed a basal diet supplemented with 0, 1, 2, and 3 g/kg shilajit for 60 days. The results showed that shilajit supplementation significantly improved the growth performance of the fish with increasing the shilajit concentration in the diet. Using shilajit in experimentally treated fish enhanced hemoglobin levels, red blood cell count, and hematocrit index. On the other hand, the administration of shilajit did not result in any significant modifications to the liver enzymes: aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), suggesting no effect on liver function. The integration of natural additives in the common carp diet improves growth performance and general fish health, which can lead to increased production and reduced environmental impact.

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