In this study the effects of different levels of Aloe vera crude extract on growth rate and resistance against Aeromonas hydrophila infection in Amphilophus labiatus were investigated. Following three concentration of Aloe vera crude extract in commercial food, 0.1%, 0.5% and 1%, were prepared and each concentration were fed to triplicate groups of Amphilophus labiatus for 60 days. Control groups were fed with Aloe free diet. At the end of treatment growth factors and mortality rate were calculated and 10 fish in each group were challenged with A.hydrophila and after challenge mortality was recorded for 10 days. Results showed that administration of 0.5% and 1% Aloe supplemented feed to A. labiatus increased growth rate, food conversion rate (FCR) and specific growth rate (SGR) compared to control (P<0.05). Feeding with 0.1% Aloe supplemented feed had no significant change on growth factors of fish (P>0.05). Although after challenge mortality were reduced in fish fed with 0.5% and 1% Aloe supplemented food (P<0.05), no significant reduction in mortality after challenge were recorded in group fed with 0.1% Aloe supplemented food. It can be concluded that the best concentration of Aloe vera crude extract for promotion of growth and bacterial infection resistance was 0.5%.
Alishahi M. Effects of different levels of Aloe vera crude extract on the growth rate and resistance against Aeromonas hydrophila infection in Amphilophus labiatus. 3 2011; 2 (4) :41-46 URL: http://jmb.ahvaz.iau.ir/article-1-93-en.html