Enhancing aquaculture performance and disease resistance in rainbow trout with Iranian herbal feed additives: A review

Authors

1 Caspian Sea Ecology Research Center (CSERC), Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute (IFSRI), Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Sari, Iran

2 Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute (IFSRI), Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tehran, Iran

Abstract

In Iran, rainbow trout is the sole species of cold-water fish that is farmed, and it plays a crucial role in the aquaculture industry. However, challenges like poor environmental conditions, high stocking densities, and inadequate diets lead to stress and weakened immune systems, resulting in reduced growth and increased susceptibility to various diseases. Traditionally, antibiotics have been used to control infections, but their widespread use has resulted in drug residues, health risks for consumers, antibiotic-resistant strains, higher production costs, and environmental degradation. The growing demand for eco-friendly products has intensified the need to limit or ban antibiotic usage in aquaculture. Over the past two decades, interest in utilizing medicinal plants to prevent and treat aquatic diseases has increased. The herbs can help combat antibiotic resistance, eliminate drug residues, and maintain microbial balance in aquatic environments. In this review, we assess the effectiveness of native Iranian medicinal plants on growth, immunity, blood and serum and antioxidant indices, and resistance to microbial diseases in rainbow trout. We also explore how factors such as type of plant material, dosage, duration of use, and pathogen type influence treatment efficacy. Our findings indicate that diets enriched with these plants significantly improve growth, immunity, and disease survival, regardless of the variables considered. This study highlights that plant-based supplements derived from native Iranian herbs offer a versatile alternative for fish farmers, from small-scale to industrial operations.

Keywords

Iranian Journal of Fisheries Sciences
Volume 24, Issue 2
March 2025
Pages 365-383

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