Enhancing growth and immune responses in giant freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) via oral administration of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) extract against Vibrio parahaemolyticus

Abstract This study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with Foeniculum vulgare ethanolic extract on growth performance, immune response, nutritional composition and disease resistance in Macrobrachium rosenbergii against Vibrio parahaemolyticus. The extract fed group (0.25 % and 0.5 % extract) of prawn demonstrated significantly superior growth and feed utilization parameters, nutritional value and enzymatic activity compared to the control group. The extract treated prawn also had high immunological responses both pre- and post-challenge of prawn with V. parahaemolyticus. After 14