Assessment of growth performance, blood biochemical parameters, and intestinal microbiota in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) following dietary Tinospora cordifolia root and stem powder supplementation

There is a growing concern regarding the use of antibiotics in aquaculture. The main problem is related to the increase of resistance to antibiotics by pathogenic bacteria. Medicinal plants can be used as an alternative to antibiotics to enhance fish health in general, but their usage is still limited. This paper aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) as a feed supplement and its effect on growth indices, blood biochemical parameters, and intestinal microbiota in common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Fish were fed on T. cordifolia root (R) and stem (S) powder for 8 weeks at two levels (4 and 6 g kg⁻1) and the experimental diets were labeled as 4R, 6R, 4S, and 6S, respectively. The outcome of the present study demonstrates that fish fed on T. cordifolia at 6 g kg⁻1 had significantly enhanced growth performance and blood biochemical indices. Furthermore, there was a significant elevation in the total bacterial count and lactic acid bacteria. In contrast, the level of blood glucose decreased significantly (p < 0.05) with T. cordifolia supplementation. The present study shows that T. cordifolia significantly promotes weight gain and feed utilization efficiency, the intestinal microbiota, and the general health of C. carpio, suggesting that it can serve as a natural alternative to antibiotics for fish in aquaculture enterprises.