Evaluation of growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, immune and antioxidant parameters of Common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) juveniles reared in aquaponic system

Aquaponic is considered a sustainable semi-closed system for food production that combines aquaculture and hydroponics. The aims of this study were to evaluate the influence of aquaponic on the growth and feed performance, digestive enzyme activity and blood parameters of Common carp juveniles for 60 days. This experiment consisted of three groups (three replications per group) which included; cultivation of common carp without plants (T0), use of aquaponic system for culturing common carp with lettuce (TL) and cucumber (TC). A total of 225 carp (initial body weight: 11.59 ± 0.41g) were randomly distributed in nine 60-L tanks. Results showed that aquaponic system in TL and TC groups could increase the weight gain (WG) and specific growth rate (SGR) and reduce the feed conversion ratio (FCR) of common carp. Total protease, amylase, and lipase activities were also significantly higher in TL and TC groups than control group, respectively. After 60 days, serum lysozyme activity and total immunoglobulin were significantly higher and serum cortisol and glucose levels were lower in aquaponic groups than the control group. The highest serum catalase and superoxide dismutase were observed in TL and TC group. The best effect on growth, digestive enzymes, and immune response were shown in TL and TC groups (Aquaponic system) compared to control.