Effects of Moringa oleifera Leaves Powder on Growth Performance of Labeo rohita (Hamilton,1822)

Abstract

The exploration of phytogenic feed additives has gained momentum as a strategy to enhance fish health and productivity while reducing dependency on synthetic inputs. Moringa oleifera, widely known as the miracle tree, contains bioactive phytochemicals flavonoids, phenolics, alkaloids that exhibit antioxidant, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory properties. This study assessed the impact of powdered Moringa oleifera leaves on Labeo rohita fingerling growth performance. The study was carried out in Gorkapar village in Balod district, Chhattisgarh, India. The trial was conducted for 90 days. The experiment was designed as T0 (0g) T1 (2g), T2 (4g), and T3 (6g) and T4 (8g) moringa/kg feed. Growth parameters including net weight gain (NWG), percent weight gain (PWG), length gain (LG), specific growth rate (SGR), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were recorded at 15 days. One-way ANOVA was used to statistically analyze the data at a 5% significance level, and SPSS software (version 21) was used to calculate mean differences using Duncan's multiple range test. The highest weight was observed in treatment T4 (58.55±0.39 g), while the control group had the lowest (38.19±0.12 g). Weight gain, specific growth rate (SGR), average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and protein efficiency ratio (PER) all showed significant enhancement in the treatment groups compared to the control. The treatment T4 exhibited the highest weight gain (136.55±2.27%), SGR (1.30±0.00 %/day), and ADG (1.41±0.02 g/day), indicating superior growth. The most efficient FCR (1.89±0.01) was recorded in T4. The highest PER was observed in T2 (4.15±0.07), suggesting improved protein utilisation at moderate moringa inclusion. This study highlights the potential of Moringa oleifera as a natural, cost-effective, and sustainable growth promoter in aqua feed.  Moringa oleifera holds strong potential as a natural growth promoter and immune booster in fish culture systems. Further research is encouraged to explore its pharmacological effects and applications in disease prevention and water quality management in aquaculture.