In the present study, the effects of Afsanteen (Artemisia absinthium) aqueous extract (AE) were investigated on growth performance, innate immunity, and oxidative status of common carp, Cyprinus carpio. Common carp juveniles were fed experimental diets that contained 0, 0.5, 1 or 1.5% of AE for 60 days (75 fish/treatment). Thereafter, the fish growth performance, feed efficiency, serum immune-related, biochemical, and antioxidant parameters were determined. The results showed that diets containing 0.5 and 1% of AE enhanced the growth performance and feed efficiency of the fish. Fish fed with AE supplemented diets (at all concentrations) also displayed higher levels of serum lysozyme, alternative complement, total immunoglobulin, superoxide dismutase, and total protein levels compared to the control diet; the highest levels were observed at 1% AE level. Serum albumin levels of all AE-supplemented treatments were significantly higher than the control treatment. Dietary AE supplementation significantly increased plasma glutathione peroxidase activities; the highest value was related to the fish fed 0.5% AE. All AE treatments showed significantly lower serum catalase activities compared to the control; the lowest value was related to 1.5% AE. 0.5 and 1% AE significantly decreased serum malondialdehyde levels. All AE- treated fish exhibited significantly lower serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase activities; the lowest values were observed in 0.5% or 1% AE. In conclusion, dietary inclusions of AE in juvenile common carp increased growth performance and feed efficiency, improved the innate immunity and antioxidant response, and improved hepatic health. AE at 0.5–1% levels is recommended for common carp diet formulation.

Keywords