Effects of Eucalyptus globulus (eucalyptus) and Cinnamomum camphora (camphor) essential oils used as dietary supplements on growth performance, hematology, serum biochemical and antioxidant parameters of cultured sea bream (Sparus aurata)

Because of their bioactive components, essential oils can be considered as a natural alternative to antibiotics in sustainable aquaculture. The essential oils of eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) and camphor (Cinnamomum camphora) have been investigated in few studies for aquaculture despite their widely pharmaceutical properties. This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of different doses of Eucalyptus globulus and Cinnamomum camphora essential oils on growth performance, haematological, biochemical, and immunological parameters of juvenile sea bream (Sparus aurata). For this, fish (Weight 14.62 ± 0.06 g; Length 10.64 ± 0.20 cm) were fed with 4 different concentrations of essential oils (0 % (control), 0.5 %, 1 % and 2 %) at 2 % of their body weight in 3 replicates for 60 days. The results showed that final weight, weight gain, daily growth and specific growth rate were significantly increased in all experimental groups compared to the control group. Feed conversion ratio was similar to the control group in the 1 % and 2 % Cinnamomum camphora treatments, while the 2 % Eucalyptus globulus supplemented diet showed a significant increase compared to the control group. Dietary Eucalyptus globulus and Cinnamomum camphora supplements significantly increased WBC (White blood cell) count and NEU (Neutrophil) levels compared to the control group. In the experiment, cholesterol increased in the 2 % Cinnamomum camphora and 1 % Eucalyptus globulus groups, while triglyceride levels were highest in the 1 % Cinnamomum camphora group. At the end of the experiment, a statistically significant differences were observed in cholesterol, triglyceride, glucose, ALT (Alanine aminotransferase) and AST (Aspartate aminotransferase) values. In conclusion, this study showed that both eucalyptus and camphor essential oil supplements improved growth performance, immunity, hematological and biochemical parameters in juvenile Sea bream.