Growth Performance and Innate Immune Response of <i>Clarias gariepinus</i> Infected with <i>Aeromonas hydrophila</i> fed diets fortified with <i>Curcuma longa</i> leaf

Abstract

The use of antibiotics as diseases control agents in aquaculture has become cantankerous due to rise in drugresistant bacteria such as Aeromonas hydrophila which has been reported to cause huge biological and economic losses. Studies have revealed antibacterial potential of some botanicals such as Curcuma longa as alternative. However, there is rarity of information on the use of Curcuma longa as growth promoter and disease control agents in Clarias gariepinus. Hence, effects of Curcuma longa on growth performance and innate immune response of Clarias gariepinus infected with Aeromonas hydrophila were evaluated. Fish (10.30 ± 0.15 g) were fed seven isonitrogenous (40% crude protein) diets (0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0%) twice daily to satiation for 12 weeks. Growth performance and innate immune responses were measured and evaluated using standard procedures. Fish at 12 weeks were challenged intra-peritoneally with Aeromonas hydrophila (5 x 10⁵ mL) and observed for 14 days. Survival rate and relative protection were monitored. The results revealed that Clarias gariepinus fed supplemented diets had better growth and immunity against Aeromonas hydrophila at 2.5% inclusion level and therefore could be used as immunodulation against Aeromonas infection.