Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Effect of dietary Artemisia afra on growth, some innate immunological parameters in Clarias gariepinus challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila

  • Published:
Aquaculture International Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of Artemisia afra-based on growth, haemato-biochemical parameters and disease resistance in Clarias gariepinus (African sharptooth catfish). Five diets were formulated to contain 0%, 3%, 6%, 9% and 12% of A. afra, designated as the control, D2, D3, D4 and D5, respectively. Each diet was fed to triplicate groups of 45 fish (32.49 ± 0.27 g). All groups were fed ad libitum twice a day at 09:00 h and 15:00 h for 45 days. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in feed conversion ratio and specific growth rate of fish between dietary treatments. Feed conversion ratio values increased from 1.64 in the control to 1.78 in D5. Specific growth rate values were lower in D5 (1.94) than in the control (2.02). White blood cells increased with increasing dietary A. afra inclusion levels from 3.61 (× 103/μℓ) in the control to 5.05 (× 103/μℓ) in D5. Similarly, red blood cells increased from 2.07 (× 106/μℓ) in the control to 3.26 (× 106/μℓ) in D4. Haemoglobin, haematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration also increased with higher A. afra inclusion levels. No significant changes (P > 0.05) were observed in alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase levels between dietary treatments. Fish fed with D3, D4 and D5 had significantly higher (P < 0.05) nitro blue tetrazolium and lysozyme activity compared to fish fed with the control and D2. After a challenge trial using the most virulent dosage (4 × 106 cfu ml−1) of Aeromonas hydrophila, survival rate was lower in fish fed with the control (20%), D2 (30%) and D3 (40%) compared to fish fed with D4 (70%) and D5 (70%). This shows that A. afra can improve the health status of captive C. gariepinus.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Abdel-Tawwab M, Adeshina I, Jenyo-Oni A, Ajani EK, Emikpe BO (2018) Growth, physiological, antioxidants, and immune response of African catfish, Clarias gariepinus (B.), to dietary clove basil, Ocimum gratissimum, leaf extract and its susceptibility to Listeria monocytogenes infection. Fish Shellfish Immunol 78:346–354. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fsi.2018.04.057

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Amend DF (1981) Potency testing of fish vaccines. International Symposium on Fish Biologics: Serodiagnostics and Vaccines. Dev Biol Stand 49:447–454

    Google Scholar 

  • AOAC (Association of Official Analytical Chemists) International (2012) Official Methods of Analysis of AOAC International, 19th edn. Association of Analytical Communities, Gaithersburg

    Google Scholar 

  • Arulvasu C, Mani K, Chandhirasekar D, Prabhu D, Sivagnanam S (2013) Effect of dietary administration of Zingiber officinale on growth, survival and immune response of Indian major carp, Catla catla (Ham.). Research & Reviews In Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences 5:108–115

    Google Scholar 

  • Austin B, Austin DA (2007) Bacterial fish pathogens: disease in farmed and wild fish, 4th edn. Springer-Praxis, Godalming

    Google Scholar 

  • Brum A, Pereira SA, Owatari MS, Cardoso L, Chagas EC, Chaves FCM, Mouriño JLP, Martins ML (2017) Effect of dietary essential oils of clove basil and ginger on Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) following challenge with Streptococcus agalactiae. Aquaculture 468:235–243. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquaculture.2016.10.020

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Brum A, Pereira SA, Cardoso L, Chagas EC, Chaves FCM, Mouriño JLP, Martins ML (2018) Blood biochemical parameters and melanomacrophage centers in Nile tilapia fed essential oils of clove basil and ginger. Fish Shellfish Immunol 74:444–449. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fsi.2018.01.021

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Caruana S, Yoon GH, Freeman MA, Mackie JA, Shinn AP (2012) The efficacy of selected plant extracts and bioflavonoids in controlling infections of Saprolegnia australis (Saprolegniales; Oomycetes). Aquaculture 358–359:146–154. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquaculture.2012.06.035

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cerezuela R, Guardiola FA, Gonzalez P, Meseguer J, Esteban MA (2012) Effects of dietary Bacillus subtilis, Tetraselmis chuii, and Phaeodactylum tricornutum, singularly or in combination, on the immune response and disease resistance of sea bream (Sparus aurata L.). Fish Shellfish Immunol 33:342–349. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fsi.2012.05.004

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Chen G, Liu Y, Jiang J, Jiang W, Kuang S, Tang L, Tang W, Zhang YA, Zhou X, Feng L (2015) Effect of dietary arginine on the immune response and gene expression in head kidney and spleen following infection of Jian carp with Aeromonas hydrophila. Fish Shellfish Immunol 44:195–202. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fsi.2015.02.027

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Cipriano RC, Bullock GL, Pyle SW (2001) Aeromonas hydrophila and motile Aeromonas septicaemias of fish. Fish Disease leaflet 68. US Department of the Interior Fish & Wildlife Service, Washington

    Google Scholar 

  • DAFF (Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries) (2014) Aquaculture yearbook. Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, South Africa

    Google Scholar 

  • Eirna-liza N, Saad CR, Hassim HA, Karim M (2016) The effects of dietary inclusion of garlic on growth performance and disease resistance of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) fingerlings against Aeromonas hydrophila infection. J Environ Biol 37(4):817–824

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ellis AE (1990) Lysozyme assay. In: Stolen JS, Fletcher TC, Anderson DP, Robertsen BS, Van Muiswinkel WB (eds) Techniques in fish Immunology. SOS Publications, Fair Haven, pp 101–103

    Google Scholar 

  • FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN) (2014) Fisheries and Aquaculture Department. The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture: Opportunities and challenges. Italy, Rome, pp. 243.

  • Farrag FH, Khalil FF, Mehrim AI, Refaey MMA (2013) Papaw (Carica papaya) seeds powder in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) diet. J Animal Sci 4:363–379

    Google Scholar 

  • Gabriel UU, George ADI (2005) Plasma enzymes in Clarias gariepinus exposed to chronic levels of round-up (Glry phosphate). Environment and Ecology 23:271–276

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gültepe N, Bilen S, Yılmaz S, Güroy D, Aydın S (2014) Effects of herbs and spice on health status of tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) challenged with Streptococcus iniae. Acta Veterinaria Brno 83:25–131. https://doi.org/10.2754/avb201483020125

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hardie LJ, Ellis AE, Secombes CJ (1996) In vitro activation of rainbow trout macrophages stimulates inhibition of Renibacterium salmoninarum growth concomitant with augmented generation of respiratory burst products. Dis Aquat Organ 25:175–183

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Harikrishnan R, Balasundaram C, Heo MS (2011) Impact of plant products on innate and adaptive immune system of cultured finfish and shellfish. Aquaculture 317:1–15. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquaculture.2011.03.039

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Huchzermeyer KDA, Van Der Waal BCW (2012) Epizootic ulcerative syndrome: exotic fish disease threatens Africa’s aquatic ecosystems. J S Afr Vet Assoc 83:1–6. https://doi.org/10.4102/jsava.v83i1.204

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Immanuel G, Uma RP, Iyapparaj P, Citarasu T, Punitra SM, Babu MM, Palavesam A (2009) Dietary medicinal plant extracts improve growth, immune activity and survival of tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus. J Fish Biol 74:1462–1475. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1095-8649.2009.02212.x

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kaleeswaran B, Ilavenil S, Ravikumar S (2011) Dietary supplementation with Cynodon dactylon (L.) enhances innate immunity and disease resistance of Indian major carp, Catla catla (Ham.). Fish Shellfish Immunol 31:953–962. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fsi.2011.08.013

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Karunasagar I, Rosalind GM, Karunasagar I, Rao KG (1989) Aeromonas hydrophila septicaemia of Indian major carps in some commercial fish farms of West Godavari district. Andira Pradesh Curr Sci 18:1044–1045

    Google Scholar 

  • Kumar S, Sahu NP, Pal AK, Choudhury D, Yengkokpam S, Mukherjee SC (2005) Effect of dietary carbohydrate on haematology, respiratory burst activity and histological changes in Labeo rohita juveniles. Fish Shellfish Immunol 19:331–344

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Magnadóttir B (2006) Innate immunity of fish (overview). Fish Shellfish Immunol 20:137–151. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fsi.2004.09.006

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Makkar HPS, Francis G, Becker K (2007) Bioactivity of phytochemicals in some lesser-known plants and their effects and potential applications in livestock and aquaculture production systems. Animal 1:1371–1391. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1751731107000298

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mbokane EM, Moyo NAG (2018a) A preliminary investigation into the potential effect of Artemisia afra on growth and disease resistance in sub-adults of Oreochromis mossambicus. Aquaculture 482:197–202. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquaculture.2017.09.047

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mbokane EM, Moyo NAG (2018b) Alterations of haemato-biochemical parameters pre and post-challenge with Aeromonas hydrophila and survival of Oreochromis mossambicus fed Moringa oleifera-based diets. Fish Shellfish Immun 83:213–222. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fsi.2018.09.017

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • More G, Lall N, Hussein A, Tshikalange TE (2012) Antimicrobial constituents of Artemisia afra Jacq. ex Willd. against periodontal pathogens. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2012:1–7. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/252758

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mukherjee PK, Sahoo AK, Narayanan N, Kumar NS, Ponnusankar S (2009) Lead finding from medicinal plants with hepatoprotective potentials. Expert Opin Drug Discov 4:545–576. https://doi.org/10.1517/17460440902911433

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Munoz M, Cedeno R, Rodriguez J, Van der Knapp WPW, Mialhe E, Bachere E (2000) Measurement of reactive oxygen intermediate production in haemocytes of the penaeid shrimp, Penaeus vannamei. Aquaculture 19:89–107 http://www.dspace.espol.edu.ec/handle/123456789/8791

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ngugi CC, Oyoo-Okoth E, Muchiri M (2017) Effects of dietary levels of essential oil (EO) extract from bitter lemon (Citrus limon) fruit peels on growth, biochemical, haemato-immunological parameters and disease resistance in Juvenile Labeo victorianus fingerlings challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila. Aquac Res 48:2253–2265. https://doi.org/10.1111/are.13062

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Noor El Deen AE, Dorgham SM, Hassan AHM, Hakim AS (2014) Studies on Aeromonas hydrophila in cultured Oreochromis niloticus at Kafr El Sheikh Governorate, Egypt with Reference to Histopathological Alterations in Some Vital Organs. World Journal of Fish and Marine Sciences 6(3):233–240. https://doi.org/10.5829/idosi.wjfms.2014.06.03.83136

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Park KH, Choi SH (2012) The effect of mistletoe, Viscum album coloratum, extract on innate immune response of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Fish Shellfish Immunol 32:1016–1021. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fsi.2012.02.023

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Peters TJ (1995) All about albumin: biochemistry, genetics, and medical applications. Academic Press, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Plumb JA, Hanson LA (2011) Health maintenance and principal microbial diseases of cultured fishes, 3rd edn. Wiley-Blackwell, Ames

    Google Scholar 

  • Pulsford AL, Lemaire-Gony S, Tomlinson M, Collingwood N, Glynn PJ (1994) Effects of acute stress on the immune system of the dab, Limanda limanda. Comp Biochem Physiol C Pharmacol 109:129–139. https://doi.org/10.1016/0742-8413(94)00053-D

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rabe T, Van Staden J (1997) Antibacterial activity of South African plants used for medicinal purposes. J Ethnopharmacol 56:81–87. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0378-8741(96)01515-2

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rapatsa MM, Moyo NAG (2019) Enzyme activity and histological analysis of Clarias gariepinus fed on Imbrasia belina meal used for partial replacement of fishmeal. Fish Physiol Biochem 45:1309–1320. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10695-019-00652-3

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Reda RM, Mahmoud R, Selim KM, El-Araby IE (2016) Effects of dietary acidifiers on growth, hematology, immune response and disease resistance of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. Fish Shellfish Immunol 50:255–262. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fsi.2016.01.040

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sahu S, Das BK, Pradhan J, Mohapatra BC, Mishra BK, Sarangi N (2007) Effect of Mangifera indica kernel as a feed additive on immunity and resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila in Labeo rohita in fingerlings. Fish Shellfish Immunol 23:109–118. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fsi.2006.09.009

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Secombes CJ (1990) Isolation of salmonid macrophages an analysis of their killing activity. In: Stolen JS, Fletcher TC, Anderson DP, Roberson BS, van Muiswinkel WB (eds) Techniques of Fish Immunology. SOS Publications, Fair Haven, pp 137–144

    Google Scholar 

  • Sheikhlar A, Meng GY, Alimon R, Romano N, Ebrahimi M (2017) Dietary Euphorbia hirta extract improved the resistance of sharptooth catfish Clarias gariepinus to Aeromonas hydrophila. J Aquat Anim Health 29(4):225–235. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fsi.2006.09.009

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Siwicki AK, Anderson DP, Rumsey GL (1994) Dietary intake of immunostimulants by rainbow trout affects non-specific immunity and protection against furunculosis. Vet Immunol Immunop 41:125–139. https://doi.org/10.1016/0165-2427(94)90062-0

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Skelton PH (2001) A complete guide to the freshwater fishes of Southern Africa. Halfway House, Cape Town, p 395

    Google Scholar 

  • Srinivasan P, Darsini DTP, Maheshu VI, Castro J, Dineshbabu J, Manimekalai K (2015) Limonia acidissima L. (wood apple) as feed additive enhanced growth performance, immune response and disease resistance of Indian major carp, Catla catla (Ham.) against Aeromonas hydrophila infection. International Research Journal of Pharmacy 6(2):143–152. https://doi.org/10.7897/2230-8407.06232

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Thring TSA, Weitz FM (2006) Medicinal plants use in the Bredasdorp/Elim region of the southern Overberg in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. J Ethnopharmacol 103:261–275

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Vallejos-Vidal E, Reyes-López F, Teles M, Machenzie S (2016) The response of fish to immunostimulant diets. Fish Shellfish Immunol 56:34–69. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fsi.2016.06.028

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Van Vuuren SF, Viljoen AM (2006) A comparative investigation of the antimicrobial properties of indigenous South African aromatic plants with popular commercially available essential oils. J Essent Oil Res 18:66–71

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Van Wyk BE, Van Oudtshoorn B, Gericke N (2009) Medicinal Plants of South Africa, Second edn. Briza Publications, Pretoria

    Google Scholar 

  • Veerasamy R, Min LS, Mohanraj, Pauline R, Sivadasan S, Varghese C, Rajak H, Marimuthu K (2014) Effect of aqueous extract of Polygonum minus leaf on the immunity and survival of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus). J Coast Life Med 2(3):209–213. https://doi.org/10.12980/jclm.2.2014apjtb-2014-0007

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Verma VK, Rani KV, Sehgal N, Prakash O (2013) Immunostimulatory effect of artificial feed supplemented with indigenous plants on Clarias gariepinus against Aeromonas hydrophila. Fish Shellfish Immunol 35:924–1931. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fsi.2013.09.029

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Watt JM, Breyer-Brandwijk MG (1962) The Medicinal and poisonous plants of southern and eastern Africa, Second edn. E. & S. Livingstone Ltd., Edinburgh, Livingstone

    Google Scholar 

  • Winberg GG (1956) Rate of metabolism and food requirements of fishes. J Fish Res Board Can 194:1–202

    Google Scholar 

  • Wu YR, Gong QF, Liang WW, Chen M, He RJ (2013) Effect of Sophora flavescens on non-specific immune response of tilapia (GIFT-Oreochromis niloticus) and disease resistance against Streptococcus agalactiae. Fish Shellfish Immunol 34:220–227. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fsi.2012.10.020

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Yin G, Ardó L, Thompson KD, Adams A, Jeney Z, Jeney G (2009) Chinese herbs (Astragalus radix and Ganoderma lucidum) enhance immune response of carp, Cyprinus carpio, and protection against Aeromonas hydrophila. Fish Shellfish Immunol 26:140–145. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fsi.2008.08.015

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang D, Xu D, Shoemaker C (2016) Experimental induction of motile Aeromonas septicemia in channelcatfish (Ictalurus punctatus) by waterborne challenge with virulent Aeromonas hydrophila. Aquac Rep 3:18–23. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aqrep.2015.11.003

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

Gratitude is due to the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in Pretoria, South Africa, for supplying us with the strain of A. hydrophila. The authors are equally grateful to Mrs. Eva Nephale for technical assistance. We are equally grateful to Mr. DBM Moganedi for allowing us to use the microbiology laboratory. We also appreciate the assistance from Tiro Maleka with microbial work.

Funding

The study was financially supported by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Aquaculture Research and Development, Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Private Bag X2, Vlaeberg, Cape Town, 8012, South Africa

    Esau Matthews Mbokane

  2. Aquaculture Research Unit, School of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Limpopo (Turfloop Campus), Private Bag X1106, Sovenga, 0727, South Africa

    Esau Matthews Mbokane & Ngonidzashe Adreck Gukuta Moyo

Authors
  1. Esau Matthews Mbokane
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Ngonidzashe Adreck Gukuta Moyo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Esau Matthews Mbokane.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Ethical approval

The fish were handled and sacrificed in a human manner following ethical clearance by the University of Limpopo Animal Research Ethics Committee (AREC/11/2017: PG). All applicable international, national and/or institutional guidelines for the care and use of animals were followed by the authors.

Additional information

Publisher’s note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Mbokane, E.M., Moyo, N.A.G. Effect of dietary Artemisia afra on growth, some innate immunological parameters in Clarias gariepinus challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila. Aquacult Int 28, 539–553 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10499-019-00479-y

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10499-019-00479-y

Keywords

Search

Navigation