HIMALAYAN FLOWER LALIGURANS (RHODODENDRON ARBOREUM) IMPROVE GROWTH AND ENHANCE IMMUNITY IN COMMON CARP (CYPRINUS CARPIO) UNDER RECIRCULATING CULTURE SYSTEM.

Rhododendron arboreum, belonging to the Ericaceae family, is primarily distinguished by its vivid red or light pink flowers. The flower is often known as "Lali Gurans" in Nepali and is recognized as the official flower of Nepal. Rhododendron flowers have traditionally been used to cure various human ailments including blood dysentery, headache, asthma, cough, stomachache, fever, inflammation and fungal infections. Moreover, it has medicinal and pharmacological importance. The present study aimed to investigate the beneficial effects of dietary laligurans flower as the growth promotor and immunostimulant in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) fingerlings. Rhododendron flowers taken from the Phulchowki hills of Kathmandu Valley were taxonomically identified by the National Herbarium Center, Govt. of Nepal following ethanol (70%) extract (LGE) and plain powder (LGP) were prepared. There was a total of 7 diets used in the study in which the control diet (T1) did not have any supplementation. The other diets 0.2% (T2), 0.4% (T3), 0.8% (T4) and 1.6% (T5) were supplemented with ethanol extract (LGE) while 0.2% (T6) and 0.4% (T7) were with dry powder (LGP). The experiment was specifically built as a recirculating aquaculture system and was carried out at the Central Fisheries Promotion and Conservation Center (CFPCC), Government of Nepal located in Balaju, Kathmandu. The aquaria were divided into 7 diets, with 3 replicates for each diet hence, fingerlings of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) weighing 2.43±0.21g allocated to 21 glass aquaria randomly. The fish were provided with food equivalent to 5% of their body weight and the sampling was conducted after a period of 90 days of feeding experiments. Statistically significant growth (p< 0.05) was seen in all the treated fish. However, carp fed with LGE performed better and the maximum amount of growth was obtained in carp fed with the 0.8% (T4) diet. The levels of total protein, albumin and globulin demonstrated an upward trend, but the levels of SGOT, SGPT and ALP showed a downward trend when compared to the control and LGP-treated diet. The haematological parameters of the fish given a T4 treated diet were within the normal range, however the levels of hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (PCV) were elevated. Based on the evidence, it is advised that aqua culturists use the ethanol extract of laligurans flower to promote fish growth and improve the socioeconomic activities of farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]