Effect of feeding apidaecin on common carp (Cyprinus carpio) growth performances and immune function

Effect of apidaecin on common carp (Cyprinus carpio) based on growth performance, feed utilization (Feed Conversion Ratio, FCR) and immune parameters were investigated. Twelve aquaria with three replicates for G1-3 and control were used. The synthesized apidaecin peptide was added to common carp basal diets (Control) as additives in three concentrations: 10.0 mg kg− 1 (G1), 15.0 mg kg− 1 (G2) and 30.0 mg kg− 1 (G3) by wet weight of basal diet. After an 80-day feeding experiment, G2 and G3 showed significantly better (P < 0.05) results of growth performances and FCR than the control. However, there was no remarkable difference (P > 0.05) between G2 and G3. As for G1, the final weight, SGR (Specific Growth Rate) and DG (Daily Gain) were increased and the FCR was decreased, but not significantly (P > 0.05) compared with the control. The serum lysozyme activity of G2 and G3 was significantly increased (P < 0.05) than the control. As for the alternative complement pathway activity, G2 and G3 were also higher (P < 0.05) than the control. However, no significant difference (P > 0.05) was found whichever between G2 and G3 or between G1 and G2 in both lysozyme and the alternative complement pathway activities. Furthermore, there was no remarkable difference between G1 and the control in immune parameters.