Growth performance and blood parameters of juvenile Common carp (Cyprinus carpio) fed with extracts of Padina australis and Gracilaria pygmaea

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of macroalgae Padina australis and Gracilaria pygmaea extracts on growth performance and blood parameters of juvenile Common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Animals were randomly divided into four groups (initial weight 5 g); control group (basal diet without extracts), and three groups were fed with basal diet supplemented with 5 g/kg Padina australis, 5g/kg Gracilaria pygmaea and 2/5 g/kg Padina australis + 2/5 g/kg Gracilaria pygmaea for 8 weeks. Fish were hand fed to apparent satiation 3 times a day and for 8 weeks. Results showed that growth factors (final fish weight, specific growth rate, weight gain, condition factor and feed conversion) in fish fed with diet containing macroalgal extracts (Padina australis, Gracilaria pygmaea and Padina australis + Gracilaria pygmaea) was significantly higher than the control group. Hemoglobin level and the weight of hemoglobin in a red blood cell in fish fed with diet containing macroalgal extracts (Padina australis, Gracilaria pygmaea and Padina australis + Gracilaria pygmaea) was significantly higher than the control group. The control group had a higher level of triglycerides and cholesterol compared to the groups fed with diets containing macroalgal extracts (Padina australis, Gracilaria pygmaea and Padina australis + Gracilaria pygmaea).