Impacts of turmeric (Curcuma longa) on growth and survival of Heterobranchus longifilis.

Abstract

Globally, there has been an upsurge on derivable benefits of the use of turmeric, Curcuma longa to promote welfare of fish. The study evaluated impacts of turmeric on growth and survival of Heterobranchus longifilis. Four diets were produced containing dietary turmeric in the proportions of 0%, 1%, 3% and 5% representing Feeds 1 to 4 respectively. A total of 276 H. longifilis fingerlings (mean initial weight ranging between 27.24 and 31.04g) were stocked at 23 fish per replicate and fed for 56 days. After the feeding trial, growth performances and survival rates were determined using standard procedure. Results showed that fish treated with 1% C. longa exhibited the best (p<0.05) weight gain (106.4±12.99g). This was followed by those treated with 3% C. longa having mean weight gain of 98.9±4.82g. Fish in the control group (0% turmeric) recorded the least mean weight gain of 97.9±6.49g). The best specific growth rate (2.20±0.19%/day) and feed conversion ratio (1.29±0.0) were also recorded in fish fed with 1% inclusion level of C. longa. These results revealed that growth variables increased with decrease in inclusion level of C. longa in the fish diet. Similarly trend was observed in the protein contents of fish muscle. The percentage survival of fish was generally high among the treatments containing inclusion levels of C. longa when compared with the control group. The study demonstrated that incorporating C. longa at 1% level in H. longifilis diets could enhance growth rates and optimize survival. This highlights the potential of turmeric as a valuable dietary additive in aquaculture.