Effect of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. Leaf Extract on Growth Performance of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Abstract

Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. (Family Nelumbonaceae) has been used for the
treatment of various ailments. However, its use in fish culture as a natural feed additive to
enhance fish growth is scant. Therefore, the aims of this present research were to examine
the effects of N. nucifera leaf etharotic extract (NNLE) on growth performance and its
adverse effects on Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). During an eigth week trial period,
fish were fed diets containing NNLE at the levels of 0, 0.05, 0.1 and 1% compared with the
diet containing oxytetracycline 0.05%. The results showed that the NNLE supplementation
produced a signiticant increase in growth rate and feed intake and caused a significant
decrease in feed conversion ratio (p<0.05). There were no significant changes in the
cumulative mortality and the hepatosomatic index of the experimental groups when
compared to the control and oxytetracycline groups. The optimal concentration of NNLE
observed in this research was 1%. Feeding behavior, external appearance and health of
fish did not differ between the groups, indicating that NNLE is safe. Thus, these findings
support the use of NNLE as a natural feed additive to improve growth performance of fish.