Effects of Ajwain extract (Trachyspermum ammi L) on Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) growth performance, blood parameters and immunity factors

Present study was conducted to investigate effects of Ajwain extract (Trachyspermum ammi L)on rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) growth and immunity factors. 600 fish with average weight of 58±7 g were divided into four treatments and were fed by diet supplemented with 0.5, 1.5 and 2.5% Ajwain extract and diet with no supplementation was used for control group. Growth, hematological and immunity factors were measured at the end of the experiment based on standard methods and then were analyzed by Tukey. Fishes fed by two percent Ajwain extract in comparison with control group showed increment and improvement in weight gained, specific growth rate (SGR), final weight and condition factor status index (SI) (p < 0.05). The highest amount of hematocrit and hemoglobin were belonged to those who were fed with 2 % Ajwain extract and showed a significant difference with control group (p < 0.05). No significant difference was found between control group and other treatments in terms of other hematological parameters (RBC, WBC, MCV, MCH, MCHC) (P>0.05). Feeding by 2.5% of Ajwain extract significantly improved lysozyme and Complement activity. No significant difference was found between control group and other treatments in terms of other biochemical parameters of blood (albumin, total protein and Immunoglobulin) (p < 0.05). Therefore, supplementation of Ajwain extract in rainbow trout diet will improve growth factors and some immunity parameters.