03572nas a2200361 a 4500 20260818095327.0 260513s20259999th u ms tm 000 eng d .b12502236 AIT Thesis no.AQ-25-03 Sakpal, Prathama Vijay Effects of stocking density and dietary ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) levels on growth performance and stress response in butter catfish (Ompok pabda) Pathum Thani, Thailand: Asian Institute of Technology, 2025 45 leaves : ill.+ 1 online resource Thesis ; no. AQ-25-03 A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Aquaculture and Aquatic Resources Management Thesis (M. Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2025 This study investigated the effects of dietary Withania somnifera (ashwagandha) root powder on the growth performance, haematological responses, antioxidant capacity, and stress physiology of butter catfish (Ompok pabda) reared in a Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS). Four diets containing 0%, 1%, 2%, and 3% ashwagandha were tested at two stocking densities, 40 and 60 fish per 50L tank, corresponding to 0.8 and 1.2 fish/L, respectively over a 45-day feeding trial. Growth performance was primarily influenced by stocking density, with fish at 40 (lower density) exhibiting higher weight gain, better feed conversion ratio, and improved specific growth rate compared to those at 60 (higher density), while ashwagandha supplementation did not produce significant changes in growth parameters. Haematological indices (Hb, RBC, WBC) remained stable across all diet and density treatments, indicating that ashwagandha up to 3% inclusion did not induce hematological stress or immune suppression. Total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) increased significantly in fish fed 2% and 3% ashwagandha, demonstrating enhanced endogenous antioxidant defence, whereas stocking density did not affect T-AOC. Serum glucose levels were higher in fish reared at the higher density, reflecting density-related stress; however, dietary ashwagandha did not significantly alter glucose concentrations across treatments during the 45 days. Overall, the results indicate that while ashwagandha did not markedly improve growth or haematological profiles under non-stressful conditions, it enhanced antioxidant capacity and maintained physiological safety, suggesting potential benefits under stress-inducing environments or with longer feeding durations. These findings highlight ashwagandha{u2019}s relevance as a natural, eco-friendly feed additive supporting health and resilience in O. pabda aquaculture, contributing to sustainable intensification and reduced reliance on synthetic inputs. Aquatic ecology Catfishes Salin, Krishna R., Chairperson Ha, Thanh Dong, Examination Committee Yaseen, Muhammad, Examination Committee AIT Scholarship, Scholarhip Donor Asian Institute of Technology. Thesis ; no. AQ-25-03 Full-Text http://203.159.5.9/ait-thesis/detail.php?q=B24087 .b12502236 mnarc a 260514 0 260513 m h a 0 mnarc 67 Barcode : - CREATED : 2026-05-13 RECORD # : i13599367 LPATRON : 0 LCHKIN : - # RENEWALS : 0 # OVERDUE : 0 IUSE3 : 0 TOT CHKOUT : 0 TOT RENEW : 0 35372 35372 0 0 0 0 MAIN MAIN mnarc 2026-08-18 0 AIT Thesis no.AQ-25-03 2026-08-18 09:53:27 1 2026-08-18 67