Short‐term exposure to higher temperature triggers the metabolic enzyme activities and growth of fish Labeo rohita fed with high‐protein diet

Six hundred Labeo rohita (average weight, 6.78 g) were distributed in 24 tanks (25 fish per tank), which were allotted to eight experimental groups in triplicates. Half of the experimental groups were maintained at ambient water temperature of 26 °C, whereas the other half were exposed to 32 °C for 1 week then later maintained at 26 °C for 4 weeks. Fish reared under different temperature regimes were fed one of the four diets containing 200 g kg^?1, 300 g kg^?1, 400 g kg^?1 or 450 g kg^?1 protein. Growth, feed efficiency and protein retention were higher at 32 °C and continued for the next 2 weeks after decreasing the temperature. The dietary protein level and water temperature interactions were more effective in modulating the response of hepatic glucokinase than that of hexokinase and pyruvate kinase. In contrast, hepatic gluconeogenesis was not affected by rearing temperature. Hepatic aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase activity was found higher (P < 0.05) at low temperature and at high protein level. It is suggested that the metabolic activities of fish are triggered by short‐term exposure to higher temperature and the increased metabolic activity extended for a duration of 3 weeks during which 400 g kg^?1 dietary protein level was found to support growth of fish.     

Effects of dietary microbial levan on growth performance,RNA/DNA ratio and some physio‐biochemical responses of Labeo rohita (Hamilton) juveniles

Six isonitrogenous and isocaloric semi‐purified diets were prepared with different levels of microbial levan: control (Basal), T1 (Basal + 2.5 g kg^?1 diet), T2 (Basal + 5 g kg^?1 diet), T3 (Basal + 7.5 g kg^?1 diet), T4 (Basal + 10 g kg^?1 diet) and T5 (Basal + 12.5 g kg^?1 diet), fed to six groups of fish in triplicate tanks. The results of the 60 days feeding trail showed that supplementation of dietary levan significantly affected the weight gain percentage and specific growth rate of the treatment groups fed at 10 g kg^?1 or more levan. Lowest feed conversion ratio (FCR) value and highest survival percentage among levan fed groups were observed with 12.5 g kg^?1 incorporation (T5) and was comparable with (T4) group. Significant increase in muscle RNA level and RNA/DNA ratio was observed with the increasing dietary levan. Fish fed 12.5 g kg^?1 levan had significantly higher protease, amylase and lipase activities compare with the control group. Lowest Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity in the liver and muscle was observed in the T5 group fed with highest level of dietary levan. Overall results conclude that dietary microbial levan incorporation at 12.5 g kg^?1 could be used as potent dietary prebiotic for the culture of L. rohita juveniles.     

Optimization of de‐oiled rice bran inclusion level in the diet of Labeo rohita: Effect on growth performance,nutrient utilization,insulin‐like growth factors I and II gene expression

A 60‐day feeding trial was conducted to optimize the inclusion level of de‐oiled rice bran (DORB) in the diet of Labeo rohita fingerlings. Six iso‐nitrogenous (260g/kg), iso‐lipidic (70g/kg) and iso‐energetic (15 MJ/Kg) diets were prepared with different inclusion level of DORB viz., T33, T38_, T43, T48, T53 and T58. One hundred and eighty fingerlings (9.8 ± 0.5 g) were randomly distributed in seven experimental groups in triplicates following a completely randomized design. The weight gain %, specific growth rate, protein efficiency ratio and feed efficiency ratio were found similar in 33%, 38% and 43% DORB fed groups. The expression of both insulin‐like growth factors I and II (IGF‐I and II) was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in T33, T38 and T43 groups. Based on second order polynomial regression analysis (y = ?0.0059x² + 0.4573x ? 4.8404, R² = 0.95), the expression of IGF‐I was found to be maximum at 39.5% inclusion level of DORB. Significantly (p < 0.05) lower muscle RNA content, RNA‐DNA ratio and higher feed conversion ratio were found in T58 group. Hence, from these results, it can be concluded that the optimum inclusion of DORB in the diet (260g/kg CP and 70g/kg lipid) of L. rohita should be 39.5% to support maximum nutrient utilization and growth performance.     

Compensatory growth,feed intake and body composition of Labeo rohita fingerlings following feed deprivation

Ten‐week study was performed on Labeo rohita fingerlings (av. wt. 3.75 ± 0.06 g) to investigate the nature of compensatory growth. Fingerlings were deprived of food for 0 (control), 1 (D1), 2 (D2) or 3 (D3) weeks and refed to satiation for 5 weeks. The feed deprivation was carried out in D3 group on week 3, 4 and 5; D2 group on week 4 and 5; D1 group on week 5, and refeeding of all the groups were started from week 6 onwards. The D1 and D2 groups caught up in body weight with that of control fish within 2 weeks and 4 weeks of refeeding, respectively, but the D3 group had significantly (P < 0.05) lower body weight than the control after 5 weeks of refeeding. Higher growth efficiency was observed in all the feed deprived groups in the 1st week of refeeding only. Feed intake in D1 group became similar with the control after 5 weeks of refeeding, but the D2 and D3 groups were still hyperphagic when the experiment terminated. Thus, compensatory growth was due to hyperphagia and improved growth efficiency. In conclusion, complete compensatory growth was observed in L. rohita fingerlings after feed deprivation of 1 and 2 weeks.     

Mixed feeding schedule of low and high protein in the diet of Labeo rohita (Hamilton) fingerlings: effect on growth performance,haemato‐immunological and stress responses

Four experimental diets D₁, D₂, D₃ and D₄ having 100, 300, 350 and 400 g protein kg^?1 diet, respectively, were prepared. Fingerlings of Labeo rohita (5.45 ± 0.03 g) were fed with different diets following a mixed feeding schedule with the feeding cycle of 28 days that consisted of either 28 days feeding of diet D₁ or D₂ or 21 days feeding with D₁ diet and 7 days with either D₃ or D₄ diet. Different treatments were T₁ (D₁ for 28 days), T₂ (D₂ for 28 days), T₃ (D₁ for 21 days and D₂ for 7 days), T₄ (D₁ for 21 days and D₃ for 7 days) or T₅ (D₁ for 21 days and D₄ for 7 days). Fingerlings were sampled after three feeding cycles (84 days). Higher (P < 0.05) growth performance and protein utilization efficiency were found in the T₃ group, which was similar to the T₂ group. The blood count, NBT, lysozyme activity, serum parameters and stress indicator parameters also complement for the better immunity in the T₂ and T₃ groups. Therefore, it could be concluded that fingerlings feeding alternately a low‐protein diet (D₁) for 21 days followed by a normal‐protein diet (D₂) for 7 days in a cycle of 28 days for 84 days maintained better growth and health status.     

Pharmacokinetics and physio‐metabolic response of single and multiple dose of fenbendazole in Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1822) fingerlings

An experiment was carried to determine the plasma fenbendazole (FBZ) concentration and physio‐metabolic responses in juveniles of Labeo rohita (90 ± 4 g) after oral administration of single doses at 10, 20 and 50 mg, 20 mg FBZ/kg b.wt. in multiple times on 1st, 3rd and 7th day. The blood samples were collected at 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, 30, 48, 72, 96 and 120 hr, after single‐dose administration, and regularly (upto 15 day) in multiple dose. Plasma FBZ concentration was determined up to the limit of detection (LoD) of 0.09 µg/ml by HPLC. There was no parent drug detected in plasma for administration of 10 mg FBZ/kg b.wt. The drug attained the peak concentration (C_max) 1.85 and 3.09 µg/ml in plasma at 4 hr (T_max) after administration of 20 and 50mg FBZ/kg b.wt. respectively. Plasma FBZ was detectable up to 96 and 120 hr with concentration 0.09 ± 0.007 and 0.098 ± 0.006 µg/ml, respectively, after single‐dose administration of 20 and 50mg/kg b.wt. In case of multiple‐dose administration, the maximum concentration of FBZ was 1.01 ± 0.03 µg/ml on 7th day that was less than to the single dose at 50 mg/kg b.wt. However, FBZ was detected up to 11 day after multiple doses. The study revealed that the hepatic antioxidant enzymes activities like superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione‐S‐transferase were significantly affected by increasing FBZ in single and multiple doses. The results of the present study could reveal that single‐ or multiple‐oral administration of FBZ at 20 mg/kg b.wt. in feed as antihelminthic drug in L. rohita could be considered as the safe dose.     

Efficacy of single and multiple doses of fenbendazole against gill parasites (Dactylogyrus sp.) of Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1822) and its physio‐metabolic effects on the fish

The study was conducted to investigate the efficacy and physio‐metabolic responses of single and multiple doses of fenbendazole (FBZ) in Labeo rohita against gill parasite (Dacylogyrus sp.). Two Isoenergetic (395 Kcal DE/100 g) and isonitrogenous (35% CP) purified diets viz. control (without FBZ) and treatment (0.2% FBZ) were prepared. The efficacy of FBZ was measured after administration of single dose (20 mg/kg b. wt.) on 0th day and multiple doses of FBZ, that is, 20 mg/kg b. wt. on 0th, 3rd and 7th day through diet. Although oral administration of FBZ at single dose could significantly reduce the parasite in fish in comparison with the control group, 100% efficacy of the drug was not achieved up to 15th day of treatment. On the other hand, multiple doses of FBZ could show almost 100% efficacy on 15th day in terms of elimination of parasites from gill. The drug induced oxidative stress in examined fish. There was no significant change in activities of hepatic and muscle aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase of L. rohita up to 15th day after oral administration of FBZ at single dose. But both single and multiple doses of FBZ could significantly enhance the hepatic superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione‐S‐transferase activities in fish up to 7th day of drug administration and significantly decreased thereafter up to 15th and/or 30th day. It is concluded that oral administration of FBZ at multiple doses (20 mg/kg b. wt.) on 1st, 3rd and 7th day could be effective against Dactylogyrus sp. infection in L. rohita.     

Dietary potassium requirement of fingerling Indian major carp,Labeo rohita (Hamilton), based on growth parameters,gill Na+‐K+ ATPase activity,tissue mineralization and antioxidant activities

To quantify the dietary potassium requirement of fingerling Labeo rohita (6.2 ± 0.12 cm; 1.98 ± 0.06 g), seven purified experimental diets (350 g/kg crude protein and 16.72 kJ/g gross energy) with graded levels of potassium (0.32, 1.35, 2.41, 3.46, 6.48, 9.47 and 12.39 g/kg diet) were fed to triplicate groups of fishes at 08:00, 12:00 and 16:00 hr to apparent satiation for 8 weeks. Live weight gain (LWG; 671.46%), specific growth rate (3.65%/day), protein efficiency ratio (2.16), protein gain (PG; 2.41 g/fish) and feed conversion ratio (1.32) were found to be best in fish fed diet containing 3.46 g/kg potassium. Gill Na⁺‐K⁺ ATPase activity was also highest in fish fed diet with 3.46 g/kg potassium. Potassium content of whole‐body, vertebrae and scales increased significantly with the increase in dietary potassium level up to 6.48 g/kg. Significant changes were also noted in serum malondialdehyde content, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and alkaline phosphatase activity. Based on the maximum live weight and protein gain observed in the present study, the inclusion of 3.55 g/kg potassium is recommended for developing potassium‐balanced commercial feeds for intensive culture of fingerling L. rohita.     

Nano zinc vis‐à‐vis inorganic Zinc as feed additives: Effects on growth,activity of hepatic enzymes and non‐specific immunity in rohu,Labeo rohita (Hamilton) fingerlings

The effects of dietary administration of inorganic zinc (zinc sulphate, ZnSO₄) and nano zinc (zinc oxide nanoparticles, ZnO‐NP) were evaluated in rohu, Labeo rohita fingerlings. Fish were fed with a basal diet (Control) supplemented with ZnSO₄ (T1, T2 and T3) and ZnO‐NP (T4, T5 and T6) at 10, 20 and 30 mg/kg, respectively, for a duration of 45 days. The results revealed that fish fed diet containing 20 mg ZnO‐NP per kg (T5) had the highest weight gain and specific growth rate (SGR, % per day), which was significantly different (p < .05) from the other experimental diets. Significantly (p < .05), higher activities of the digestive and metabolic enzymes were recorded in the fish fed ZnO‐NP containing diets as compared to the diets containing inorganic Zn or control diet. The maximum serum glucose and protein levels were noted in fish reared on diet T5. Both SGOT and SGPT activities were significantly increased in fish fed Zn‐supplemented diets (T1 to T6), as compared to the control group. Similarly, innate immune parameters were improved with feeding Zn incorporated diets. The highest phagocytic (40.74 ± 0.65%) and respiratory burst (0.33 ± 0.001, OD 630nm) activities were recorded in the fish fed diet containing ZnO‐NPs at 20 mg/kg (T5). The maximum superoxide production and serum peroxidase activity were detected in the fish fed T5 and T6 diets. Overall, results indicated that short‐duration feeding (≤45 days) of dietary ZnO‐NP (20 mg/kg) improved growth, enzyme activity, serum biochemical parameters and immune function in rohu fingerlings.     

Haemato‐immunological response of Labeo rohita (Hamilton) fingerlings fed leaf extracts and challenged by Aeromonas hydrophila

A 35 days feeding trial was conducted to assess the haemato‐immunological response of Labeo rohita fingerlings fed ethanolic leaf extracts of Psidium guajava and Mangifera indica, and infected with Aeromonas hydrophila. Six iso‐nitrogenous (354.6–361.6 g kg^?1) purified diets were prepared with graded level of leaf extracts viz., control (basal feed without any extract); TG‐5 (5 g kg^?1 guava extract); TG‐10 (10 g kg^?1 guava extract); TM‐5 (5 g kg^?1 mango extract); TM‐10 (10 g kg^?1 mango extract); and TGM (5 g kg^?1 guava extract +5 g kg^?1 mango extract). Haematological, immunological, biochemical, along with antioxidant enzyme activities were examined after a 35 day‐feeding trial and following a 7 day challenge with A. hydrophila. The haemoglobin, total leucocyte and erythrocyte counts, respiratory burst activity, lysozyme, total protein, albumin and globulin contents increased significantly (P < 0.05) in leaf extracts fed groups compared with the control in pre‐ and post‐challenge conditions. A significant (P < 0.05) decrease was observed in SOD (superoxide dismutase) and catalase activities of the treatment groups compared with the higher value in control. The trends in mortality indicated that groups of fish showing significantly elevated haemato‐immunological responses had the lowest mortality following challenge with A. hydrophila. The results showed that extracts of P. guajava and M. indica appear to be potential immunostimulant at an inclusion level of 5 g kg^?1 in the diet of rohu. But, mixing of both the extract at similar level did not show any synergistic effect, which needs to be tested at its lower level of inclusion.     

Dietary Houttuynia cordata leaf extract and meal enhances the immunity and expression of immune genes in Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1822)

A feeding trial was conducted to explore the effect of dietary Houttuynia cordata leaf extract (HCLE) and leaf meal (HCLM) on immunological responses and expression of interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ) and tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) gene in Labeo rohita fingerlings. Six isonitrogenous (350 g/kg CP) and isocaloric (17 MJ/kg DE) purified experimental diets were formulated with Houttuynia cordata leaf extract and leaf meal comprising control, C (0 g/kg HCLE and HCLM), E2.5 (2.5 g/kg HCLE), E5 (5 g/kg HCLE), E10 (10 g/kg HCLE), M10 (10 g/kg HCLM) and M20 (20 g/kg HCLM). Labeo rohita fingerlings (3.37 ± 0.23 g) were distributed in six experimental groups in triplicates following the complete random distribution. Fish were fed twice daily with respective experimental diets for a period of 60 days. A significantly (p < .05) lower lactate dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities were registered in supplemented groups compared with control group, while respiratory burst and lysozyme activities were significantly (p < .05) higher in E10 group compared with other experimental groups. Haemoglobin, total leucocyte count, total erythrocyte count and haematocrit values were significantly (p < .05) higher in E10 group. The expression of IFN‐γ and TNF‐α in both the kidney and liver was significantly up‐regulated in leaf extract and meal supplemented groups with the highest expression in the fish of E10 group. Overall, these results suggest that the dietary supplementation of ethanolic extract of the Houttuynia cordata leaf at 10 g/kg level can enhance the immune response of L. rohita fingerlings.     

Effect of dietary Houttuynia cordata leaf meal and leaf extract on the growth performance,nutrient utilization and expression of IGF‐I gene in Labeo rohita

A 60‐day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of feeding Houttuynia cordata leaf meal and extract on the growth performance, nutrient utilization and expression of insulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I) in Labeo rohita fingerlings. Two hundred seventy fingerlings were randomly distributed in six experimental groups in triplicates. Six isonitrogenous (350 g/kg CP) and isocaloric (17 MJ/kg DE) diets were prepared with graded levels of leaf meal (LM) and leaf extract (LE), namely C (control, without LE and LM), LE‐0.25 (2.5 g/kg LE), LE‐0.5 (5 g/kg LE), LE‐1.0 (10 g/kg LE), LM‐1.0 (10 g/kg LM) and LM‐2.0 (20 g/kg LM). Significantly (p < 0.05) higher IGF‐I expression, weight gain %, specific growth rate and lower feed conversion ratio were observed in LM‐1.0 followed by LE‐1.0 group compared to control group. Higher protease activity was observed in LE‐1.0 compared to other experimental groups, while no significant changes were found for amylase and lipase activities. Compared to control, muscle alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities were significantly higher in treatment groups except for LM‐2.0. These results suggest that either LE‐1.0 or LM‐1.0 can be supplemented in the diet to improve the growth of L. rohita. However, the supplementation of 10 g H. cordata leaf meal/kg feed can be the better option considering the cost of extraction.     

Replacement of de‐oiled rice bran by soaked and fermented sweet potato leaf meal: Effect on growth performance,body composition and expression of insulin‐like growth factor 1 in Labeo rohita (Hamilton), fingerlings

A 60‐day feeding trial was conducted to determine the growth performance and expression of insulin‐like growth factor 1 gene (IGF‐I gene) in Labeo rohita fingerlings fed with either raw, soaked or fermented sweet potato leaf meal (SPLM) by completely replacing de‐oiled rice bran (DORB), following a completely randomized design. Seven isonitrogenous (30%) and isocaloric (1.8 MJ/100 g) diets were prepared by replacing DORB with 50% and 100% raw, soaked and fermented sweet potato leaf meal, maintaining DORB‐containing diets as a control. Weight gain %, SGR (specific growth rate) and PER (protein efficiency ratio) were significantly (p < 0.05) higher when 100% DORB was replaced by fermented SPLM in comparison to other treatment groups. The fermented and soaked SPLM‐fed groups had registered with lower FCR value. The expression of growth regulating gene IGF‐I mRNA and RNA/DNA ratio was found to be significantly higher (p < 0.05) in soaked and fermented SPLM‐fed groups. In this study, the body protein and lipid composition did not vary significantly (p > 0.05). Hence, the study concludes that the fermented sweet potato leaf meal using Chaetomium globosum can replace 100% DORB in the diet of Labeo rohita without any detrimental effect on growth performance.     

Nutritional evaluation of fermented Jatropha protein concentrate in Labeo rohita fingerlings

Jatroha protein concentrate (JPC) was prepared by iso‐electric precipitation method. A 45‐day feeding trial was conducted for the nutritional evaluation of JPC and fermented Jatropha protein concentrate (FJPC) in Labeo rohita fingerlings. Seven iso‐nitrogenous (340 g kg^?1 CP) and iso‐energetic (17 MJ kg^?1) diets such as C (soy protein concentrate⁾, T₁ (50 g kg^?1 JPC), T₂ (100 g kg^?1 JPC), T₃ (200 g kg^?1 JPC), T₄ (50 g kg^?1 FJPC), T₅ (100 g kg^?1 FJPC) and T₆ (200 g kg^?1 FJPC) were fed to respective groups. The weight gain % and protein effciency ratio showed a decreasing trend with higher inclusion of JPC whereas these parameters increased gradually on higher inclusion of FJPC. FCR showed the reverse trend. The protease, GOTand GPT activities of FJPC fed groups were significantly higher than their non‐fermented counterparts whereas a reverse trend was observed for LDH and MDH enzyme activities in muscle and liver. The survival rate was 100% in all the treatment groups except for T₂ and T₃. Phorbol esters (PEs) in FJPC was non‐detectable. Results suggested that solid state fermentation with Aspergillus niger is an effective method for removal of PEs and FJPC is a promising protein source in aquafeed.     

Carbon sources affect water quality and haemato‐biochemical responses of Labeo rohita in zero‐water exchange biofloc system

Biofloc technology degrades waste into useful resources exploiting microbes and can be used in zero‐water exchange systems. To study the effect of different biofloc systems on haematological and metabolic response of Labeo rohita fingerlings, a 60‐days experiment was conducted using four long lasting carbon sources. Seven hundred and fifty fingerlings having mean weight of 4.80 ± 0.12 g were randomly distributed into 15 tanks (n = 50 per tank). Five experimental groups were set in triplicate; T1 (Tapioca), T2 (Wheat), T3 (Corn) T4 (Sugar bagasse) and control (clear water). In‐situ biofloc was developed in 300 L fibre‐reinforced plastic (FRP) tanks and a C/N ratio of 15 was maintained. Water quality variables indicated ammonia immobilization by heterotrophic bacteria, as the dominant mechanism for the removal of toxic‐nitrogenous compounds in the biofloc systems. Results exhibited significantly higher floc volume (53.33 ± 7.88 ml/L), haemoglobin content (6.61 ± 0.03 g/dl) and total leucocyte count (109.66 ± 0.06 thousand cells/mm³) in tapioca biofloc system. Furthermore, the digestive and anti‐oxidative enzymes activities were also significantly higher in tapioca biofloc system. The lactate dehydrogenase and malate dehydrogenase enzyme assays showed a decreased level in tapioca biofloc system as compared with other biofloc systems and control group. Our observations indicate that tapioca biofloc system could improve the water quality, haematological and anti‐stress responses of L. rohita fingerlings in biofloc systems and thus can effectively replace other carbohydrate sources for the biofloc system.     

Evaluation of live duckweed,Wolffia globosa as an allochthonous feed for Labeo rohita fry during nursery rearing

A 40 days feeding trial with Labeo rohita (rohu) fry was conducted in six outdoor cemented tanks (5m × 4m × 1 m; 6–8 cm soil base) to establish the relative impact of on‐farm grown live Wolffia globosa (a duckweed with crude protein of 28.57%) and a formulated iso‐nitrogenous feed (crude protein 28.37%) on growth performance, survival, health and overall quality of fingerlings. The experimental tanks were dried, limed at 250 kg/ha, filled with ground water and subsequently applied with cow dung (soaked overnight) and mustard oil cake at 1,000 kg/ha and 50 kg/ha respectively. The fry were stocked at 0.3 millions/ha in six prepared tanks, and fed live Wolffia (T1) and formulated feed (T2). Results of the study indicate better performance (p < 0.05) of fry in terms of final mean weight (7.83 g), length (8.82 cm), daily growth index (6.51 g %/day) and survival (89.5%) than those fed on formulated feed. Furthermore, significantly improved (p < 0.05) feed utilization parameters viz. apparent feed conversion ratio (AFCR), apparent protein conversion efficiency (APCE), apparent protein efficiency ratio (APER); haematological parameters viz. total erythrocyte count (TEC), total leucocyte count (TLC), packed cell volume (PCV), plasma glucose and protein of fry were also observed in T1 (live Wolffia). Overall findings from this study hints towards the possible utilization of on‐farm grown live Wolffia as a suitable nutrient source for fry rearing of L. rohita.     

Probiotic efficiency of Bacillus sp. in Labeo rohita challenged by Aeromonas hydrophila: assessment of stress profile,haemato‐biochemical parameters and immune responses

Fish are always susceptible to a wide variety of deadly pathogens which cause a huge loss in aquaculture industries. In this investigation, we have demonstrated the in vivo probiotic efficiency of Bacillus sp. MVF1 (GenBank Acc. No. KP256503) in Labeo rohita challenged with pathogenic strain of Aeromonas hydrophila (MTCC 1739). To check the probiotic potential of the selected bacterial strain, fish were divided into four groups: control, D1, D2 and D3. A total of 100 days (70 days probiotic feeding + 71th day sampling and 28 days challenged test + 29th day sampling) of feeding trial was conducted. To establish the probiotic potential of Bacillus sp. MVF1, certain haematological parameters (haemoglobin, total erythrocyte and leucocyte count), serum biochemical parameters (total protein, albumin and globulin), immune parameters (serum lysozyme and total IgM levels) and hepatic stress profile (malondialdehyde production, superoxide dismutase and catalase activity) have been measured. Our results demonstrated that red blood cell number, white blood cell number and haemoglobin content were much higher in D2 group fish compared to other groups and control fish. Similarly, total protein contents, albumin concentration, globulin concentration, lysozyme activity and IgM production were also recorded to be highest in D2 group fish. This finding clearly indicated the probiotic potential of Bacillus sp. MVF1 in L. rohita. Furthermore, our results also demonstrated that 1 × 10⁷ CFU g^?1 feed (D2) provides better immunity compared to 1 × 10⁵ (D1) and 1 × 10⁹ (D3). Due to beneficial effects, the bacterium Bacillus sp. MVF1 might be useful in aquaculture industries to reduce the disease susceptibility.     

Effect of miconazole nitrate on immunological response and its preventive efficacy in Labeo rohita fingerlings against oomycetes Saprolegnia parasitica

This study evaluated the effect of sublethal doses of antifungal drug miconazole nitrate (MCZ) on immunological responses and its role as a prophylactic drug against S. parasitica in Labeo rohita fingerlings. Fish were fed with sublethal doses of MCZ, that is, T1—6.30 mgMCZ kgBW^?1, T2—12.61 mgMCZ kgBW^?1 and T3—25.22 mgMCZ kgBW^?1, and sampling was done at different time intervals for 240 hr. Immunological parameters viz. lysozyme activity, oxygen radical production and plasma antiprotease activity showed significant enhancement (p < 0.05) in fish fed with T2 and T3 doses. Expression of immune‐relevant genes such as TLR‐22 and β2‐M showed significantly higher expression at 6 hr and 24 hr of sampling in both liver and head kidney. However, these genes showed a downregulation after 120 hr of sampling in both the tissues. Preventive efficacy study showed that single dose of MCZ provides protection against oomycetes up to the fourth day of infection. Significantly higher mortality was observed in control diet‐fed fish as compared to fish fed with MCZ medicated diet. Thus, it can be concluded that the MCZ can act as a potent antifungal agent for preventing oomycetes infection as well as to enhance the immune response.     

Karanj protein isolate prepared from karanj seed cake: Effect on growth,body composition and physiometabolic responses in Labeo rohita fingerlings

A protein isolate was prepared from karanj seed (KPI) with 921.2 g protein/kg seed, which contained a negligible amount of anti‐nutritional factors and a balanced amino acid composition, especially rich in methionine. For 60‐day feeding trial, five isonitrogenous (300 g/kg CP) and isocaloric (15 MJ DE/kg) diets were formulated by replacing soybean protein isolate (SPI) on protein equivalent basis, KPI‐0 (control, 0 g/kg KPI); KPI‐25 (replacing 250 g/kg SPI protein with KPI); KPI‐50 (replacing 500 g/kg SPI protein with KPI); KPI‐75 (replacing 750 g/kg SPI protein with KPI) and KPI‐100 (replacing 1,000 g/kg SPI protein with KPI) for the feeding of L. rohita. The weight gain percentage, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio and protein efficiency ratio were not significantly (p > .05) varied among the KPI fed and control groups. A significantly higher hepatosomatic index was recorded in the control and KPI‐25 groups compared with other groups. The whole‐body compositions, except ether extract, did not differ significantly (p > .05) among the groups. Digestive (amylase, protease, lipase and alkaline phosphatase) and metabolic enzyme activities (hexokinase, transaminases and lactate dehydrogenase) and glycogen stores were not significantly affected, whereas intestinal alkaline phosphatase differed significantly (p < .05). The RNA–DNA ratio was significantly (p < .05) higher in the KPI‐75 group. Thus, the study revealed that KPI can completely replace SPI protein at 191 g/kg inclusion level in the diets of L. rohita fingerlings.