Effects of juniper berry oil on growth performance and blood parameters in common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Abstract

In this study the effects of commercial juniper berry oil (JBO) as a feed additive in diets for common carp (Cyprinus carpio) was investigated in terms of growth performance, feed utilization and blood parameters. The experimental diets were prepared to contain JBO at rate of 0 (JBO-0), 5 (JBO-5) and 10 (JBO-10) ml/kg. Common carps (3.07 ± 0.15 g) were fed with test diets for a period of 60 days in 40-L aquariums of triplicate groups. The feeding experiment revealed that JBO groups showed significantly better growth performance and feed utilization compared with the control group (JBO-0) (p < 0.05). No significant effect was observed on hemoglobin amount, haematocrit ratio and consequential erythrocyte indices (p > 0.05). In the JBO groups, serum cholesterol, triglyceride, glutamic–pyruvic transaminase and alkaline phosphatase levels decreased significantly (p < 0.05). In contrast, the total protein level showed a significant increase, while glucose, albumin and lactate dehydrogenase levels did not present any significant variation (p > 0.05). Therefore, dietary addition of 5 ml/kg JBO promoted fish growth and positively influenced the blood parameters in common carps.