Investigating the Effects of Aqueous-Methanol Extract from Chaste Tree (Vitex agnus-castus L.) on Growth Enhancement and Digestive Enzyme Activity in Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Abstract

The present study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with Chaste Tree (Vitex agnus-castus L.) seeds extract on the growth performance, and digestive enzyme activities of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). A total of 300 fish were randomly divided into five groups, each receiving a diet containing: 0 mg/kg (control), 50 mg/kg (CV50), 100 mg/kg (CV100), 150 mg/kg (CV150), and 200 mg/kg (CV200) of Chaste Tree (Vitex agnus-castus L.) extract for a period of 8 weeks. The results indicated that dietary supplementation with Chaste Tree extracts significantly improved growth performance, as evidenced by increased weight gain, specific growth rate, and feed conversion ratio. Additionally, the activity of digestive enzymes such as trypsin, lipase, and amylase were enhanced in fish-fed diets containing Chaste Tree extract. These findings suggest that Chaste Tree extract can be used as a potential growth promoter in rainbow trout, improving their overall health and performance.