Impacts of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (50-Hz) on growth performance and survival rate of common carp, Cyprinus carpio fingerlings

Abstract

All organisms are probably exposed to different types of electromagnetic fields (EMFs). This study is an attempt to evaluate the effect of extremely low-frequency EMFs (50 Hz) on some growth parameters and survival rate of common carp fingerling. The fish (n = 120, averaged 16.76 ± 0.88 g in initial weight) was exposed to ELF-EMF at four intensities of 0.1, 0.5, 1 and 2 mT only once for 2 h and then reared for 60 days. The obtained results revealed that all growth indices were significantly (p < 0.05) improved by increasing in the EMFs intensity. Two mT treatment indicated the highest final weight (43.95 ± 0.27 g), weight gain (6.83 ± 0.10 g), weight gain rate (20.94 ± 0.13 %), daily growth rate (0.38 ± 0.00 g day-1), specific growth rate (1.26 ± 0.01 % day-1) and the lowest food conversion ratio (p < 0.05). Survival rate significantly (p < 0.05) increased in all exposed treatments compared to the control group. In conclusion, ELF-EMF can enhance the growth indices and survival rate of common carp as one of the most commercially-important cultured fish species over the world.

Keywords

• Survival
• Growth
• Cyprinus carpio
• Electromagnetic fields