Effects of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Extract on Digestive Enzymes and Liver Activity of Mesopotamichthys sharpeyi Fingerlings

This study was conducted to determine effects of dietary administration of different levels of ginger (Zingiber officinale) extract on digestive enzymes activity and liver composition of Mesopotamichthys sharpeyi during eight weeks. In this respect, 192 M. sharpeyi fingerlings (with initial weight 11.67 ± 0.32 g) were divided into three ginger extract (0.1%, 0.5, 1%) treatment groups in triplicates. Control group did not receive ginger extract. Feeding of fish was done based on three percent of body weight. At the end of the experiment, digestive enzyme activity (Amylase, Trypsin and Alkaline Phosphatase) and liver lipid and glycogen contents were measured. Results showed applying ginger extract enhanced activity of digestive enzymes differently. Amylase activity improved but, Trypsin activity not affected (P<0.05). The highest ALP activity occurred under 1% supplemented diet, but overall, no significant difference was observed compared with control. The highest level of glycogen concentration was observed in 1% ginger extract supplemented diet (P<0.05). The highest liver lipid concentration was observed in treatment 2 (P<0.05). In general, it is concluded that addition of ginger extract to feed increases activity of some digestive enzymes and stored energy compounds in the liver of Mesopotamichthys sharpeyi fingerlings.