Influence of Carvacrol on the Growth Performance, Hematological, Non-Specific Immune and Serum Biochemistry Parameters in Rainbow Trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Abstract

The present study investigated the effects of phytoadditive carvacrol on growth performance, feed utilization, hematological, non-specific immune and serum biochemical parameters in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). In trial, 240 rainbow trout which had average weight of 10.79 ± 0.57 was used. Fish were divided into four groups before being fed for 60 days with 0, 1 (C1), 3 (C3) or 5 (C5) g/kg of carvacrol. There were no particular differences in the growth performance, feed utilization, whole body composition, hematological parameters between the experimental group and the control group. However, as compared to control group, a significant increase of serum lysozyme activity was seen in groups receiving feed containing C3 and C5 groups after 30 days. The myeloperoxidase activity in groups (C1 and C3) was significantly higher on the 30th day of sampling. Myeloperoxidase activity of C5 treated group was significantly higher on the 60th day in comparison with the control group. Serum glucose levels significantly decreased on 60th day for C1, C3 and C5 treated groups. The serum total protein, globulin and triglyceride levels of C3 treated groups was significantly higher on the 60th day in comparison with the control and other carvacrol treated groups. The level of serum cholesterol in C5 treated groups was significantly lower on the 30th day in comparison with the control and other carvacrol treated groups. The results of the present study indicated that dietary supplementation of 3 g/kg of carvacrol in commercial diets could improve some non-specific and biochemical status in rainbow trout.