The use of fenugreek seed meal in fish diets: growth performance, haematological and biochemical parameters, survival and stress resistance of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.)

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of fenugreek seed meal (FKSM) on growth performance, blood haematological and biochemical factors, survival and stress resistance of the common carp (2.46 +/- 0.06g) fingerlings. Four practical diets containing 0 (control), 0.5%, 1% and 1.5% FKSM were used to feed fish. Fish were fed on the tested diets at a rate of 3% of body weight for 8weeks. Results indicated that fish fed the control diet had a significantly lower weight gain, specific growth rate and condition factor compared to the other treatments (P<0.05). Feed conversion ratio decreased significantly in fish fed diets containing FKSM. There were no significant differences in glucose levels, red blood cell count, haematocrit and haemoglobin between treatment groups and the control group (P>0.05). Significantly lower white blood cells count was observed in fish treatment with FKSM when compared with the control group (P<0.05). The cholesterol level in group fed supplemented diet by 1% fenugreek significantly lower than other groups (P<0.05). Total protein levels were significantly higher in all treatments compared to the control (P<0.05). No mortality was recorded during the feeding trial. In salinity stress experiment, highest survival rate belong to fish fed supplemented diet by 1% fenugreek. These results indicate that FKSM can be considered as a beneficial dietary supplement for improving the growth performance and blood indices of common carp fingerling.