Effect of supplementation with lemon (Citrus lemon) pomace powder on the growth performance and antioxidant responses in common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Abstract

This study was aimed to investigate beneficial effects of lemon pomace powder (peel and pulp), on growth performance and antioxidant responses in common carp. Fish were divided randomly into four groups of 30 each. Group 1 fish were fed with basic diet, serving asthe control. Fish in group 2, 3 and 4 were fed the basic diet supplemented with 1.5%, 3% and 5% lemon pomace powder, respectively. Results showed that the values of glutathione peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH) inerythrocyte hemolysate were significantly increased in all of the treatment groups compared with the control (P<0.05). Significantly lower level of plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations were observed in fish receiving 5% lemon powder. Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) values increased significantly as compared to control and the most increase was observed in group 4 whichreceived 5% lemon pomace. No significant differences were found in plasma values of total protein, albumin, bilirubin, urea, lactatede hydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase among the experimental groups. Fishthat were fed diet supplemented with 3% and 5% of lemon pomace powder displayed improved growth performance including final weight, weight gain, feed conversion ratio and specific growth rate. These data suggest that supplementation of lemon pomace powder can be effective in improving the antioxidant capacity and growth performance in common carp.