Effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale) rhizome extract on growth performance, survival and gut flora of common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Phytogenics, or plant-based additives, are pivotal for growth enhancement and disease resistance in cultured fish diets. A 60-days feeding trial was carried out in hapas (1m×1m×1.2m) within a grow tank (5 m×5 m×1.5 m) at the Department of Aquaculture, Agriculture hatchery complex. The study aimed to assess growth performance, survival, and gut flora of Cyprinus carpio fed with varying levels of Zingiber officinale rhizome extract. An initial cohort comprising 450 juveniles (fry) of C. carpio, averaging 2.55±0.03 g in weight and 4.9±0.68cm in length, were fed with diets containing 27.15% crude protein, included four concentrations of Z. officinale rhizome extract (1%, 2%, 3%, and 4%), along with a control group (0%); feeding three times a day for a total of 60 days, with each meal amounting to 5% of their body weight. Fish group receiving the diet containing 3% Ginger rhizome extract, showed the highest values for growth performance parameters (p