Effect of dietary Ganoderma lucidum extract on growth performance, blood biochemical parameters, and antioxidant status in juvenile beluga (Huso huso)

In the present study, the dietary effect of Ganoderma lucidum extract (GLE) on growth performance, antioxidant status, and some blood biochemical parameters was investigated in Huso huso. The fish were divided into four groups and fed with different concentrations of 0, 0.5, 1, and 2 g/kg GLE for 6 weeks. The results showed that the growth indices including weight gain and specific growth rate were increased significantly compared to the control group. However, the food conversion rate was significantly decreased in 1 and 2 g/kg GLE-supplemented groups. An increasing trend of serum total protein and IgM was observed in the groups fed with GLE, while the fish fed with 1 and 2 g/kg GLE showed significant differences compared to the control group (p<0.05). The serum glucose level decreased in the groups fed with GLE compared to the control group, however, it was not significant. The triglycerides and cholesterol levels were significantly reduced in 1 and 2 g/kg GLE added groups compared to 0.5 g/kg GLE and control group (p<0.05). An increase in the serum total antioxidant capacity was observed in GLE-supplemented groups, which significantly raised in 1 and 2 g/kg GLE (p<0.05). Serum malondialdehyde decreased in the groups fed with GLE, which significantly reduced in 2 g/kg GLE compared to the other groups (p<0.05). In conclusion, dietary GLE showed a proper effect on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, hypolipidemia, and immunity in H. huso.