Document Type : scientific research article
Authors
1
MSc. Student, Department of Fisheries Science, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Gonbad Kavous University, Golestan, Iran.
2
Professor, Department of Fisheries Science, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Gonbad Kavous University, Golestan, Iran.
3
Associate Professor, Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture Sciences and Natural Resources, Gonbad Kavous University, Gonbad Kavous, Iran
4
Assistant Professor, Department of Fisheries Science, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Gonbad Kavous University, Golestan, Iran.
Abstract
Background and objectives: Nano-essential oils of medicinal plants have been successfully used as feed additives with growth- promoting, immune-stimulating, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties for various species of aquatic animals. This study was designed to investigate the effect of applying different levels of nanoemulsion containing essential oils of medicinal plants (thyme, oregano, and garlic) on the immune response, stress indicators and antioxidant capacity of common carp larvae.
Materials and methods: 360 common carp larvae were randomly distributed in 12 tanks (30 per tank). The experiment was conducted in 4 treatments (each with 3 replications) with concentrations of 0 (control), 3.5, 7, and 14 µl/essential oil nanoemulsion mixture per gram of food (T0 control, T1, T2, and T3, respectively) for 8 weeks. At the end of the period, 3 fish were randomly caught from each replicate and heparinized blood samples were taken to measure immune factors, stress indices, and antioxidants.
Results: Immune parameters were statistically different between experimental treatments. The highest concentrations of total immunoglobulin, lysozyme and complement activity and the lowest cortisol concentrations were obtained in treatments T1 and T2. Total antioxidant capacity and peroxidase enzyme activity had a statistically significant increase in T1 treatment. Superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase enzymes had a significant increase in T1 and T2 treatments compared to other experimental treatments. Catalase and malondialdehyde enzymes had a statistically significant decrease in T1 and T2 treatments.
Conclusion: Overall, common carp larvae fed with concentrations of 3.5 and 7µl of medicinal plant compound nanoemulsion (T1 and T2) had better immune, stress indicators and antioxidant responses compared to other experimental treatments.
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