Comparative effects of curcumin, nano curcumin and their combination on reproductive traits and spawning performance of red tilapia (Oreochromis Niloticus X O. Mossambicus)

Curcumin, the main polyphenol component of turmeric powder, has garnered increasing attention as an effective supplement in fish diets. A comparative trial was conducted to evaluate the impacts of dietary supplementation with different forms of curcumin (free, in combination, or nanoparticles) on hemato-biochemical parameters, reproductive capacity, and related gene expressions of red tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus x O. mossambicus) broodstock. Fish (n = 168) were fed an isonitrogenous (30% CP), isocaloric (18.72 MJ kg - 1) diet containing basal diet (Control), 60 mg kg-1 of either free curcumin (Cur), curcumin/nano-curcumin blend (Cur/NCur), or nano-curcumin (NCur) for 56 days. Red tilapia broodstock (155 ± 5.65 g) were stocked at a male: female ratio of 1:3. Blood samples and gonads were collected to assess hemato-biochemical parameters, reproductive capacity, and related gene expression at the end of the feeding trial. The results indicated that the values of hematological parameters (RBCs, WBCs, hemoglobin), total protein, albumin values, and reproductive hormones (T, LH, and FSH) were significantly increased, while liver function enzymes were decreased in the NCur group (P < 0.05). Reproductive performances (GSI, gonad maturation, total number of fry per female) were significantly improved in the NCur group compared with those in other groups (p < 0.05). The expression of reproductive genes (CYP19A1A, FSHR, LHR, FOXL2A, ESR1, ESR2A, and PGR) were significantly up-regulated in the gonads of fish fed NCur. Collectively, feeding red tilapia diets containing NCur led to noticeably better results followed by Cur/NCur blend, then free Cur compared to the control diet. These results indicate the superiority of NCur over its free or blended form, suggesting that a diet containing about 60 mg/kg of NCur is beneficial for enhancing hemato-biochemical parameters, improving reproductive performance, and enhancing the gonadal architecture of red tilapia.