Effect of use Aloe vera plant on growth rates, immune response and as treatment for some diseases affecting Oreochromisniloticus

Abstract

In the present study the growth parameters, hemo-biochemical parameters, immunostimulation and antioxidant effects were investigated in Oreochromisniloticus receiving diet supplemented with 1% crude ethanol Aloe vera extract, 1% Aloe vera gel and 1% whole Aloe vera powder when compared to control fed on basal diet without any additives for 8 weeks. Results showed significant increase in growth parameters. There was no significant increase (p < 0.05) in haematological parameters in Aloe vera supplemented groups except PCV and MCV that showed significant increase in fish fed on crude Aloe vera ethanol extract. Results revealed that total protein significantly increased in fish fed on crude Aloe vera extract and Aloe vera gel, and albumin significantly increased in fish fed Aloe vera gel, while globulin is significantly increased in fish fed on crude Aloe vera ethanol extract with no significant increase in protein profile in fish fed on whole Aloe vera powder when compared with control. Also, an increase in non-specific immune response was detected in the phagocytic activity, lymphocytic transformation and serum lysozyme activity tests. Phagocytic activity test is significantly increased in fish fed on all Aloe vera supplemented groups. Lymphocytic transformation index significantly increased in fish supplemented with crude Aloe vera ethanol extract when compared to the other two groups. Serum lysozyme activity significantly increased in all groups supplemented with Aloe vera when compared to control. challenge against Streptococcus parauberis,Aloe vera supplemented groups showed less mortality rates when compared to control one. Antioxidant activities determined by serum catalase activity, all Aloe vera supplemented groups showed significant increase when compared to control. Results indicated that dietary Aloevera supplementation could improve growth, immune response and act as antioxidant in cultured Oreochromisniloticus.