Effects of different levels of chamomile extract on growth and antioxidant parameters of zebrafish (Danio rerio)

An eight-week feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effects of different levels of dietary chamomile (Matricaria recutita) aqueous extract (CAE) on growth performance and antioxidant status of zebra fish, Danio rerio. Fish (initial weight of 0.20±0.02 g) were stocked at 12 tanks (50 fish per tank) and fed with a basal diet (32% protein and 8% lipid) supplemented with 0 (control), 0.5, 1, and 2% CAE in triplicate groups for 8 weeks. The results showed that fish fed 2% CAE had a significantly higher growth and biomass gain compared to the control group (P 0.05). Condition factor had a significant increase in 2% CAE treatment compared with other treatments (P 0.05). There were no significant differences in catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase activity amongst treatments (P 0.05). Finally, it seems the use of a 0.5-2.0% CAE can be effective in improving the growth and antioxidant system of zebra fish, D. rerio.