000			03572nas a2200361 a 4500
005			20260818095327.0
008			260513s20259999th u ms tm 000 eng d
035			_a.b12502236
099		9	_aAIT Thesis no.AQ-25-03
100	1		_aSakpal, Prathama Vijay
245	1	0	_aEffects of stocking density and dietary ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) levels on growth performance and stress response in butter catfish (Ompok pabda)
260			_aPathum Thani, Thailand: _bAsian Institute of Technology, _c2025
300			_a45 leaves : _bill.+ _e1 online resource
490	1		_aThesis ; _vno. AQ-25-03
500			_aA thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Aquaculture and Aquatic Resources Management
502			_aThesis (M. Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2025
520			_aThis 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.
650		0	_aAquatic ecology
650		0	_aCatfishes
700	1		_aSalin, Krishna R., _eChairperson
700	0		_aHa, Thanh Dong, _eExamination Committee
700	1		_aYaseen, Muhammad, _eExamination Committee
710	2		_aAIT Scholarship, _eScholarhip Donor
810	2		_aAsian Institute of Technology. _tThesis ; _vno. AQ-25-03
856	4	0	_3Full-Text _uhttp://203.159.5.9/ait-thesis/detail.php?q=B24087
907			_a.b12502236 _bmnarc _ca
902			_a260514
998			_b0 _c260513 _dm _eh _fa _g0
945			_lmnarc
942			_c67
909			_aBarcode : - _bCREATED : 2026-05-13 _cRECORD # : i13599367 _dLPATRON : 0 _eLCHKIN : - _f# RENEWALS : 0 _g# OVERDUE : 0 _hIUSE3 : 0 _iTOT CHKOUT : 0 _jTOT RENEW : 0
999			_c35372 _d35372