Effect of dietary turmeric (Curcuma longa) addition on growth performance and survival rate against salt-water stress in common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Considering the development of intensive aquaculture systems and the need to use medicinal plants as growth and immunity promoters, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different level of dietary turmeric (Curcuma longa) supplementation diets on the growth performance and survival rate to salt-water stress in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) fingerlings. To this purpose, 156 fishes with average weight of 18.71 ± 2.79g were divided into twelve 150 liter fiberglass tanks (13 fish per tank). Then fishes in four groups were fed with 4 formulated feed containing 0, 0.5,1 and 2% of turmeric. During the rearing period, the fish were fed twice a day at 3% of biomass. At the end of the rearing period, growth performances and resistance against salinity stress have been studied in different groups. Results showed that increase in dietary turmeric more than 1% in feed significantly reduced the fish growth and increased fish resistance against salinity stress. highest negative effects on growth performance and the highest survival rate after the stress was related to the 2% turmeric treatment group. According to the present study dietary turmeric supplementation at dosage of 0.5 - 1% in feed has increased common carp resistance in salinity stress situation.