Effects of dietary malic acid and ginger powder on growth performance, immune response, antioxidant status, and intestinal digestive enzyme activities in juvenile grass carp, Ctenopharyngodon idella

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Fisheries, Young Researchers and Elite Club, Azadshahr Branch, Islamic Azad University, Azadshahr, Golestan, Iran

2 Department of Fisheries, Azadshahr Branch, Islamic Azad University, Azadshahr, Golestan, Iran

10.22124/janb.2026.34138.1312

Abstract

Introduction: The aquaculture industry, a fundamental pillar of food security and a means of meeting the ever-growing nutritional demands of human populations, holds a strategic position. However, the sustainable development of this industry faces numerous obstacles, including a wide range of bacterial diseases, such that grass carp, Ctenopharyngodon idella farms in Iran are currently grappling with complex biological, managerial, and health challenges. In this context, the novel approach of using phytogenic supplements and organic acids as a safe and sustainable alternative to antibiotics, due to the detrimental consequences of indiscriminate antimicrobial use in culture systems, has emerged as a key and increasingly adopted global strategy. Among natural compounds, ginger, Zingiber officinale, owing to its bioactive constituents such as gingerol, shogaol, and zingerone, exhibits remarkable anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. Furthermore, malic acid (MA), as an organic acid, can effectively improve digestion and nutrient absorption, particularly under high stocking densities, by reducing gastrointestinal pH and inhibiting pathogenic bacterial populations within the intestinal tract.
Materials and Methods: In the present study, a total of 240 juvenile grass carp with an average initial weight of 4.4 ± 0.01 g were fed for 58 days under a completely randomized design with four dietary treatments. The experimental treatments included T0: control group (without any supplement), T1: diet containing 0.25% MA, T2: diet containing 0.2% ginger, and T3: diet containing a synergistic combination of both supplements (0.25% MA + 0.2% GP). The evaluated parameters comprised growth performance (WG, FCR, SGR, PER, and FE), digestive enzyme activities (protease, lipase and amylase), non-specific immune components (Ig, total IgG and lysozyme activity), and antioxidant defense indices (GPx, SOD and CAT). Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS (v.22) at a 95% confidence level (P<0.05).
Results: Quantitative findings from the measurements demonstrated significant increases in WG, SGR, and PER in all supplemented treatments (T1, T2 and T3) compared to the control group. Concurrently, these treatments led to a marked and significant reduction in FCR (P< 0.05). Moreover, digestive enzyme activities (particularly protease and lipase), Ig levels and lysozyme activity, as well as antioxidant enzyme efficiencies (GPx, SOD and CAT), were significantly elevated in the supplemented groups relative to the control. Among these, the combined treatment (T3) exhibited the most pronounced and statistically significant positive effects across all measured parameters compared to the other treatments.
Discussion: The results of this study clearly indicate the positive and substantial impact of GP and MA supplements, particularly in their synergistic combination, on the physiological and immunological parameters of grass carp. It appears that GP, by stimulating the secretion of digestive enzymes such as amylase and protease, facilitates the efficient digestion of carbohydrates and proteins, and through appetite enhancement and improvement of beneficial intestinal microbial populations, lays the groundwork for optimal growth. On the other hand, MA, by lowering intestinal pH, creates an unfavorable environment for pathogenic bacteria and contributes significantly to the balance of gut microflora. While both supplements exhibited relatively similar potency in stimulating antibody secretion and disrupting the membranes of invading bacteria, GP demonstrated superior efficacy in the context of antioxidant defense, particularly in decomposing hydrogen peroxide and scavenging reactive oxygen species. Overall, the synergy of these two nutritional agents (T3), through their concurrent influence on growth, immunity, and antioxidant axes, delivered a performance far beyond their individual applications, thereby strengthening their scientific and practical recommendation.
Conclusion: In general, the present study demonstrated that dietary supplements derived from plant sources and organic acids possess the potential to serve as more sustainable and effective alternatives to conventional antibiotics in aquaculture systems. The synergistic combination of GP and MA, compared to each compound alone, exhibited considerably higher efficacy in improving growth performance indices, enhancing the immune defense system, and boosting antioxidant capacity. Moreover, while promoting overall fish health and mitigating adverse environmental impacts, this combination can be recommended as a practical and effective strategy to improve the productivity of grass carp farming operations in the country.

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Main Subjects

References

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