STUDIES ON THE SERUM BIOCHEMICAL PROFILE OF Oreochromis mossambicus FED WITH Moringa olefiera LEAF EXTRACT

Serum biochemical profile of fish represents its physiological status. All environmental stress including the exposure to pathogenic organisms causes alterations in the physiological process of the fish which invariably reflects in its blood serum composition. In the present study serum biochemical profile of Oreochromis mossambicus was assessed to evaluate the effect of Moringa olefiera, leaf extract supplementation through feed for enhancing the immuno competency of the fish. Boosting of fish immune system is the ideal solution for the control of diseases in aquaculture practices. Many botanicals proved to be useful in improving the immune status of the fish in varying extends. In the present study serum biochemical parameters were analysed to substantiate the improved immuno competency reported in Oreochromis mossambicus fed with Moringa olefiera, leaf extract. Total protein, albumin, globulin and albumin/ globulin ratio showed significant variations in the experimental fishes. Total protein, albumin and globulin showed an increase in fishes fed with Moringa olefiera, leaf extract. However the albumin/globulin ratio remained more or less constant in the control and experimantal fishes. Serum glucose level showed a slight increase in the experimental fishes compared to the control. Thus, the elevated levels of serum biochemical parameters shows an alteration in the physiological status of the fish which might be due to the activation of the immune system and subsequent production of immune related proteins in the fishes fed with Moringa olefiera, leaf extract.