Research Information System
Israeli Journal of Aquaculture - Bamidgeh, vol.63, no.1, 2011 (SCI-Expanded)
The effects of graded dietary supplementation of Pelargonium sidoides extract on growth performance, feed utilization, and body composition in common carp, Cyprinus carpio, were preliminarily evaluated. Fish (0.67±0.05 g) were fed experimental diets containing 0, 1, 3, or 5 ml/100 g P. sidoides extract for 90 days. Growth rate significantly (p<0.05) increased in carp fed supplemented diets. The specific growth rate ranged from 2.87±0.09 in the control to 3.41±0.11 in fish fed the diet supplemented with 5 ml P. sidoides. The feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency ratio, and apparent net protein utilization were significantly better in groups fed diets with 3 or 5 ml P. sidoides extract than in the control or 1 ml group. The highest protein content (19.65%) was obtained with 3 ml supplementation. The present study shows that P. sidoides extract has a positive effect on carp growth and feed utilization with no apparent effects on health status.