Reversible sterilization by supplementing turmeric (Curcuma longa) powder to diets of female Pseudotropheus socolofi.

This study was conducted to determine if diets supplemented with turmeric powder (Curcuma longa) affected the reversible sterilization of Pseudotropheus socolofi. Three experimental diets were formulated to contain 0%, 10%, and 14% turmeric powder. The fish (mean weight 13 g) were randomly divided into groups consisting of 1 male and 4 females for each aquarium and were kept together for 137 days. The control group was fed a diet without turmeric, while the others were fed diets with turmeric for the first 75 days. All groups were then fed the control diet from day 75 to 137. The results showed that turmeric powder supplementation did not affect growth performance (p ˃ 0.05). A histopathological examination of the ovaries, performed on two samples on days 75 and 137, revealed that high doses of turmeric decreased number of ovulated vitellogenic follicles and ovarian activity. Moreover, immature follicle density was excessive in groups fed turmeric powder. However, the number of ovulated vitellogenic follicles increased in groups fed diets containing 10% and 14% turmeric after feeding them with the turmeric-free control diet from day 75 to 137. In conclusion, the study revealed that supplementing diets with high ratios of turmeric can influence ovarian activity; however, these effects can be reversed by ceasing supplementation.