Aquaculture is a growing agribusiness, and large-scale microbial infection frequently leads to considerable economic losses, as there are very few approved drugs available to counteract such a problem. Aloe vera is a natural therapeutic plant with biological activities, for example, antimicrobial, anticancer, mitigating, and immunomodulatory properties. Thus, an experiment was conducted to understand the effects of dietary Aloe vera on survival, growth performance, protein utilization, gastrosomatic index, and gut histomorphological studies in common carp in laboratory conditions. Aloe vera leaves were collected, washed, shade-dried, and homogenized to get a filtrate, which was extracted in ethanol (70) using the Soxhlet apparatus. The carp with an average weight of 1.73±0.14g was divided randomly into 5 treatments (control and other 4 treated groups) with the extract of 0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, and 1.6 in the diet with 3 replicates and the stocking density was 25 fish per each replicate. Sampling was done on the 30th, 60th, and 90th days, and the results show that percent weight gain, specific growth rate, protein efficiency ratio, and feed conversion efficiency were significantly high in the treated diet compared to the control (0.0). Gastrosomatic index, condition factors, and gut histology found better performance in common carp group fed 0.4 and 0.8 of Aloe vera after 90 days. In conclusion, it was found that Aloe vera extract between the amount of 0.4 and 0.8 is better for fish growth for common carp.

This study investigates the effects of Lapsi Fruit Extracts (LFE) Choerospondias axillaris (Roxburg 1832) on growth performance, haematology, biochemical with some growth and immune-related genes in silver carp fingerlings (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix). For this purpose, three hundred and seventy-five fish (5.17±0.13g) divided into six groups into eighteen aquaria and fish were fed six purified diets supplemented with ethanol extract (80%) of lapsi fruits (LFE) as A (0.0 g control), B (0.2 g), C (0.4 g), D (0.8 g), E (1.6 g), and F (3.2 g /100 g) for 90 days. Significantly higher (P0.05) were observed among the treated and control diet-fed group while reducing trends were observed in SOD, CAT, and GPx levels as compared to control. Glucose, triglyceride, and cholesterol level were higher in control and the decreasing trend observed in continuous feeding of the LFE supplemented diet. Protein albumin and globulin level were always higher (P<0.05) in all the treated groups and was better in D (0.8 g) diet-fed group. As compared to -actin gene, growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factors I and II (IGF-I and IGF-II) in the liver were always higher and similar results were observed in immune?related genes interleukin?8 (IL-8), interleukin-10 (IL-10) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF- ) in the head kidney of silver carp. The results suggest that lapsi fruit extracts (LFE) can be useful as a feed supplement for proper growth and enhance disease resistance by improving immunity in blood, liver, and head-kidney tissues.

Rhododendron arboreum, known as Nepal’s national flower and belonging to the Ericaceae family, thrives throughout the Himalayan region. This study investigates the antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of Rhododendron arboreum flowers. Three different extracts were prepared at concentrations ranging from 10 to 640 μg/mL and assessed for their total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and DPPH radical scavenging activity. Results showed significant accumulation of antioxidant compounds (P < 0.05), with TPC levels of 37.78, 67.29, and 53.46 mg GAE/g and TFC values of 49.46, 67.46, and 65.71 mg QE/g for LGP, LGE, and LGA at 640 μg/mL, respectively. DPPH activity was highest in LGE (96.33%), followed by LGA (87.11%) and LGP (76.59%), compared to the standard (77.38%). The antibacterial properties were significant against Aeromonas hydrophila, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli at 100% concentration, with inhibition rates of 15%, 16%, and 17% for LGP, LGE, and LGA, respectively. These findings indicate that Rhododendron arboreum petals, rich in bioactive compounds, possess strong antioxidant and antibacterial properties, making them potential candidates for developing cost‐effective therapeutic formulations. Further research should focus on isolating specific bioactive compounds and understanding their molecular mechanisms to enhance therapeutic efficacy.

An experiment was conducted at Corona of Agriculture (COA)”, Gunjanagar-3, Chitwan, Nepal to complete a project granted by University Grant Commission (UGC), Second Higher Education Project (SHEP) in 2013. Four (average 380 m²) ponds (W, X, Y and Z) with four different diets as D₁ (20%), D₂ (30%), D₃ (40%) and D₄ (50%) protein contents were used to conduct the experiment properly to determine the varied proportion of dietary protein on the growth performance of major carp rohu Labeo Rohita (H) in relation with RNA: DNA ratio. After 12^th weeks of culture, average length, average weight and specific growth rate of fish were found significantly (P<0.05) higher in the carp with D₃ and D₄ diet fed fish. Similar results were observed in average total protein, albumin and globulin contents. RNA content increased rapidly with age. The average RNA content increased highest in D₂ and D₃ diet fed fish while, DNA content were highest in D₃ diet fed fish. RNA: DNA ratio was recorded highest in D₂ and D₃ diet fed fish. RNA: DNA ratio, an indicator of protein synthesis and have been used to accurately estimate the growth rate and feeding condition of fish hence, as the dose of protein increased RNA and DNA contents also increased with age of carp cultured during experiment. Thus, it was clear from this study that the incorporation of protein in diet enhances the growth of fish regardless of species weight groups and the doses, as the average weight of fish was significantly lower in control diet fed fish as compared to the treated one.

Nepal is a land-linked country relatively small in area. However, it is home to several rivers, and these rivers are undoubtedly beautiful additions to the mountainous nation's splendid scenic landscape. Most of Nepal's surface water drains through the three major rivers are Saptakoshi, Narayani, and Karnali. Mechi and Mahakali Rivers and their tributaries mark the international boundaries between Nepal and India. All of these originate either from the Himalayas or from the Tibet Plateau and are perennial. However, dams and other water development projects, intensive fishing, pollution, and extensive human disturbances have decreased the abundance of the Ganges River Dolphin, which is now restricted only to the Koshi and Karnali River systems and in an isolated form. The first Integrated Dolphin Census of Nepal, conducted in 2016, recorded 52 dolphins throughout the country. Of the 52 dolphins, 43 were sighted in the Mohana of Karnali and its tributaries. No dolphins have been recorded recently for the Mahakali river, and sightings in the Narayani river, are occasional. The population of the River Dolphins is declining at an alarming rate. Therefore, it is important to regularly assess the status and trends of their populations and design strategies for their conservation and sustainable use.

This study evaluates the effects of Laligurans (Rhododendron arboreum) flowers on the growth performance and health parameters of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). Known for their anti‐inflammatory properties and medicinal uses, Laligurans flowers were incorporated into diets as an ethanol extract (LGE) and fine powder (LGP) to test their efficacy. A total of 630 grass carp fingerlings (3.07 ± 0.76 g to 3.95 ± 0.85 g) were randomly distributed into 21 nylon cages (1.5 m × 1 m × 2 m) placed in an earthen pond. Seven dietary treatments were administered: a control diet (T1) with standard commercial feed, LGE‐supplemented diets (T2, T3, T4, and T5) at 0.20%, 0.40%, 0.80%, and 1.60% inclusion levels, respectively, and LGP‐supplemented diets (T6 and T7) at 0.20% and 0.40%, respectively. Results demonstrated significant improvements (p < 0.05) in liver, kidney, and blood serum protein levels (total protein, albumin, globulin, and AG ratios) in treated groups compared to the control. Reductions in SGOT, SGPT, and ALP levels were observed in the liver and blood serum of treated groups, while control fish exhibited elevated blood urea nitrogen and creatinine. Fish fed LGE diets showed superior blood profiles compared to those receiving LGP. The T4 group (0.80% LGE) achieved the highest final weight gain, specific growth rate, and survival rate (p < 0.05), highlighting the potential of Laligurans flower extract as a natural immunological and growth‐enhancing supplement in aquaculture diets.