The effect of fishwort (Houttuynia cordata) on skin mucosal, serum immunities, and growth performance of Nile tilapia

The present study addressed the possible effects of fishwort (Houttuynia cordata) powder (FWP) on Nile tilapia's skin mucus parameter, serum immune response, and growth performance. Three hundred twenty tilapia fingerlings (average weight of 39.06 +/- 0.16 g) were divided into four treatments and fed four levels of FWP; 0, 5, 10, and 20 g kg(-1) for 72 days. Completed randomised design of the four replications was applied and revealed that fish fed FWP significantly improved skin mucus lysozyme activity (SMLA). The highest value (P < 0.05) was recorded in fish fed 10 g kg(-1) FWP. However, no significant difference in SMLA was observed by feeding the fish 5 and 20 g kg(-1) FWP. Significant (P < 0.05) enhanced skin mucus peroxidase activity (SMPA) was observed in fish fed 10 g kg(-1) FWP, but no significant difference in SMPA was detected between FWP supplemented diets (5 and 20 g kg(-1) FWP) and the control group. Regarding serum immunity, dietary administration of FWP showed significantly (P < 0.05) improved serum lysozyme, peroxidase, alternative complement (ACH50), and phagocytosis vs. the control. The highest values of serum immunity (P < 0.05) were recorded in fish fed 10 g kg(-1) FWP. However, no significance in respiratory burst activity was observed. Similarly, no significant difference in growth performance, feed conversion ratio, and survival rate was observed in fish fed FWP compared to the control. In summary, diets supplemented with FWP (10 g kg(-1)) increased the serum and mucosal immunity; however, no FWP supplementations had effects on Nile tilapia growth and survival rate.