Effect of Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) Leaves and Seed Oil on Growth Performance and Haemato-Immunological Indices of Labeo rohita Fingerlings

Abstract

Aquaculture is the leading industry playing significant role in enhancement of food quality and security. The use of herbs in formulated feed opened new doors for controlling infectious diseases. Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is a dietary herb with high concentration of bioactive compounds, with antimicrobial and antifungal properties. For investigation of the effect of P. crispum leaves and oil, a 75-day feeding trial was conducted in triplicate on Labeo rohita fingerlings in semi-static conditions to find its effect on growth parameters, haemato-immunological indices and digestive enzymes. About 210 L rohita fingerlings of uniform size with an average weight (4.1± 0.02g) were distributed in 21 glass aquaria and randomly divided into seven groups. Control group were fed diets without parsley supplements. PL5, PL10 and PL15 were fed diets supplemented with graded levels of leaves powder (5g, 10g and 15g respectively). Similarly, PO1 PO2 and PO3 were fed diet supplemented with 1ml, 2ml and 3ml of parsley essential oil. The results indicated significant (p<0.05) increase in weight gain%, SGR% in dose-dependent manner in parsley leave fed groups but, in oil fed groups highest weight gain and SGR% was observed in PO2 (diet with 2ml parsley oil). An increase in haematological indices was also seen among parsley fed groups compared to control. The antioxidant activity (SOD, POD, CAT) and LPO activity was decreased in parsley supplemented groups in dose dependent manner among all the parsley supplemented groups. The parsley leaves and oil supplements also showed dose dependent positive effect on the immunological indices (Albumin, globulin, Total protein, IgM level, albumin and globulin ratio, lysozyme activity, phagocytic activity and respiratory burst activity). The digestive enzyme activity showed variable results, i.e., protease and amylase showed dose dependent increase in activity compared to lipase that showed decreasing trend in response to parsley leaves supplement. However, in response to Parsley seed oil supplement, protease and lipase showed dose dependent increasing trend compared to amylase that showed decreasing trend. It is concluded that parsley leaves at the rate of 15g/kg diet or 2ml/kg diet parsley seed oil, could be used to improve the growth performance, health status and immunity of Labeo rohita.