Combined Effects of Leucas aspera, Oxy-Cyclodextrin and Bentonite on the Growth, Serum Biochemistry, and the Expression of Immune-Related Gene in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

This study investigated the effects of a combination of Leucas aspera, Oxy-cyclodextrin and sodium bentonite (LOB) on growth, digestive enzyme activity, innate immune response, haematology, and expression of immune-related genes in Nile tilapia. A total of 240 juvenile fish (20.15 +/- 0.05g) were randomly distributed into four dietary groups in triplicate and fed respective diets containing a graded level of LOB at 0 g kg(-1) (Control), 0.3 g kg(-1) (T1), 0.6 g kg(-1) (T2) and 0.9 g kg(-1) diet (T3) for 60 days. After 60 days, higher growth was observed in fish fed T2 diet (P < 0.05). Digestive enzyme activities and innate immune parameters were significantly higher in T3 group. Some of the haematological parameters reported statistically higher counts in T2 group (P < 0.05), whereas erythrocyte indices and WBC counts were significantly higher in T3 group. Liver-kidney activities were recorded low in T3 group. Urea and creatinine were higher in control group, whereas T2 group recorded the least value. The highest relative expression of IL-1 beta, IgM-heavy chain, TGF-beta and IFN-gamma. were recorded in T2 group, but TNF-alpha was upregulated in T3 group. The results showed that 0.6 - 0.9 g kg(-1) of LOB is recommended for inclusion in diet.