Pumpkin Seed Extract Boosts Rainbow Trout Immunity and Disease Resistance
Background
Intensive aquaculture and polluted aquatic environments increase fish susceptibility to infectious agents, leading to significant losses. While antibiotics are commonly used, they contribute to antibiotic resistance, environmental pollution, and public health risks. There's a growing demand for eco-friendly alternatives, and the potential of medicinal plants like Cucurbita pepo extract to enhance immunity and disease resistance in rainbow trout needs further investigation.
Results
Dietary Cucurbita pepo extract significantly improved several immune markers in rainbow trout. Fish fed 1.5% extract showed a 25% increase in lysozyme activity and a 15% boost in phagocytic activity compared to controls (p<0.01). Immune-related gene expression, including IL-1β and TNF-α, was 2.3-fold and 1.8-fold upregulated, respectively, at the optimal dose. The most significant finding was a 40% increase in survival rate following a bacterial challenge in the 1.5% extract group, demonstrating enhanced disease resistance (p<0.001). Overall, the extract led to a 10% improvement in weight gain and 8% better feed conversion ratio in treated groups compared to the untreated control group.
Why It Matters
This study highlights the potential of Cucurbita pepo extract as a natural, sustainable alternative to antibiotics in aquaculture. By enhancing the innate immune response and disease resistance, it could significantly reduce economic losses due to infections and improve fish welfare. This eco-friendly approach could lead to healthier fish populations and safer seafood products for consumers. Future research should focus on larger-scale field trials and exploring its efficacy in other commercially important fish species.