Influence of dietary garlic powder (Allium sativum) on growth performance, hemato-biochemical parameters, antioxidant status, and hepatic enzyme activity in Catla catla fingerlings

This study evaluated the impact of dietary garlic powder (Allium sativum) on growth performance, hematology, lipid profile, hepatic enzyme activity, and antioxidant activity in Catla catla fingerlings over a 90-day feeding trial. A total of 120 fish (initial weight: 5.86±0.14 g) were divided into four dietary groups: 0% (Group-1), 2% (Group-2), 4% (Group-3), and 6% (Group-4) garlic powder. Results indicated that final weight (41.17±7.04 g), weight gain (35.5±7.11 g), feed intake (52.2±0.96 g), and specific growth rate (3.59±0.08%) were higher in Group 4 (p < 0.001). Feed conversion ratio improved significantly (1.22±0.015; p < 0.001). Hematological values, including red blood cell counts (2.63±0.014 ×10⁶ mm–3), hemoglobin (13.58 ± 0.106 g 100 mL–1), and packed cell volume (40.9±0.5%) increased significantly (p < 0.001) in Group-4. In contrast, white blood cell counts (WBCs) were significantly reduced (p = 0.008). Biochemical parameters such as triglycerides (102.3±4.72 mg dL–1), cholesterol (134.2±2.26 mg dL–1), low-density lipoprotein (45.56±2.19 mg dL–1), and very low-density lipoprotein (20.24±0.94 mg dL–1) decreased significantly, while high-density lipoprotein improved. Hepatic enzymes AST (53.8±0.37 U L–1), ALT (18.2±1.14 U L–1), ALP (172.6±0.4 U L–1), and LDH (170±1.04 U L–1) were reduced (p < 0.001). Antioxidant enzymes catalase (26.2±0.23 KU L–1), superoxide dismutase (16±0.31 U mL–1), and glutathione peroxidase (65.8±0.58 U L–1) increased (p < 0.001), while MDA levels were lowered (2.38±0.058 mmol L–1), indicating reduced oxidative stress. In conclusion, garlic powder supplementation, particularly at 6%, significantly enhanced growth, hematological status, lipid regulation, liver function, and antioxidant defense in C. catla, supporting its potential use as a natural feed additive in freshwater aquaculture.