Effects of dietary Alpinia oxyphylla extract on growth indices, muscle composition, antioxidant status, immunity, and ammonia resistance of juvenile ivory shell (Babylonia areolata)

This study evaluated the impacts of dietary Alpinia oxyphylla extract (AO) on growth, muscle composition, antioxidant status, immunity, and ammonia resistance of juvenile ivory shell ( Babylonia areolata ). Six experimental diets (AO1, AO2, AO3, AO4, AO5, and AO6) with varying AO levels (0, 1, 2, 4, 6, and 10 g/kg diet) were fed to the ivory shell for 8 weeks. The weight gain rate and specific growth rate were higher in AO3 and AO4 groups. Muscle crude protein content was significantly higher in AO4 and AO5 groups, while crude lipid content significantly decreased in AO4 group compared to the control group. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was increased in AO-fed B. areolata , with the highest values in the AO3 group. Catalase (CAT) activity was significantly increased in AO3, AO4, AO5, and AO6 groups. Total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) was significantly higher and malondialdehyde (MDA) content was significantly lower, in AO3 and AO4 groups compared to the control group. The highest acid phosphatase (ACP) value was recorded in AO3, AO4, and AO5 groups, while alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activity was significantly higher in AO4, AO5, and AO6 groups compared to the control group. AO significantly induced the expression of SOD , GST , CYP450 , ACP , and CYC in hepatopancreas. After ammonia stress, B. areolata fed with 2–4 g/kg AO showed a higher survival rate compared to the control group. These results suggest that dietary AO supplementation at 2.26 g/kg AO improves growth, muscle composition, immunity, and ammonia resistance in B. areolata . • Dietary AO enhanced growth, antioxidant status and immunity in Babylonia areolata. • AO increased muscle crude protein content and reduced lipid content in B. areolata . • AO improved the survival rates of B. areolata under ammonia stress.