UTTAR PRADESH JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY

The rapid intensification of aquaculture has increased the demand for safe and eco-friendly feed additives that can improve growth, feed efficiency, and disease resistance in cultured fish species such as Nile tilapia. Medicinal plants like Andrographis paniculata are gaining attention due to their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and immunostimulatory properties. This study evaluated the effect of supplementation of Andrographis paniculata (Kalmegh) extract on the growth performance, feed utilization, and survival of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fry. A total of 300 fry was randomly distributed into five treatment groups with four replicates each and fed diets containing different levels of Kalmegh extract: 0% (T0), 0.5% (T1), 1.0% (T2), 1.5% (T3), and 2.0% (T4) for 60 days. The experimental diets were formulated to contain 30% crude protein. Fish were fed at 5% of their body weight per day, and growth parameters were recorded at regular intervals. The results indicated that Kalmegh extract supplementation significantly improved growth performance and feed utilization compared to the control. The highest final body weight, specific growth rate (SGR), protein efficiency ratio (PER), and survival, along with the lowest feed conversion ratio (FCR), were observed in T3, followed by T4. These findings suggest improved nutrient utilization and overall performance of fish in the supplemented groups. In conclusion, dietary inclusion of Kalmegh extract at 1.5–2.0% can be considered an effective and eco-friendly approach to enhance growth performance and survival of Nile tilapia.