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Growth Performance, Biochemical Indices and Antioxidant Status of Grey Mullet (Mugil cephalus Linnaeus, 1758) Under Dietary L-Carnitine Supplementation

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Abstract

The present research evaluated the use of dietary carnitine supplementation and its effects on the growth, body composition, fatty acids, biochemical parameters, Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) level and antioxidant activity, in grey mullet. Four experimental diets were prepared by adding carnitine at concentrations of 0, 400, 800, and 1200 mg kg−1 diet (C0, C400, C800 and C1200 respectively). After 9 weeks of the feeding trial, a significant increase in growth performance (except for Daily Growth Rate or DGR), carcass quality (crude protein and crude lipid), biochemical parameters (cholesterol, triglyceride, total lipid, free fatty acid or FFA, total protein, albumin, and globulin), plasma superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities was detected in the fish fed on C800 diet, as compared to those fed on the other diets (P < 0.05). The results showed that the diet containing 800 mg kg−1 dietary L-carnitine (C800) had a significant (P < 0.05) effect on crude protein and lipids of grey mullet when compared to those of the control diet (C0). No significant (P > 0.05) differences were observed in moisture and crude ash contents among groups. Barring the C1200 diet, there was also a positive correlation between the plasma IGF-1 level and DGR. The results showed that the diet containing 800 mg kg−1 L-carnitine enhanced growth yield, feed utilization, and carcass quality; as well as biochemical and antioxidant activity of grey mullet. The authors concluded that the maximum recommended levels of L-carnitine in diets for grey mullet (Mugil cephalus) can be established at 800 mg kg−1.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the personnel of the Fisheries Researches Institute, Chabahar, Iran. Special thanks are due to Dr. N. Tayari Sadaf laboratory expert, Chabahar, Iran, for her valuable help.

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  1. Faculty of Marine Sciences, Fisheries Group, Chabahar Maritime University, Chabahar, Iran

    Paria Akbary

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  1. Paria Akbary
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Correspondence to Paria Akbary.

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Significant statement In the present study, the authors evaluated the effects of different levels of l-Carnitine on Growth performance, biochemical indices and antioxidant status of grey mullet. The results showed that 800 mg kg−1 of Carnitine in fish diets has positive effects on fish.

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Akbary, P. Growth Performance, Biochemical Indices and Antioxidant Status of Grey Mullet (Mugil cephalus Linnaeus, 1758) Under Dietary L-Carnitine Supplementation. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., India, Sect. B Biol. Sci. 89, 911–919 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40011-018-1004-y

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