Effect of pellets contain Spirulina platensis algae on growth, body composition, hematology indices and immunology of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)

The aim of this study was to investigate effect of pellets contain Spirulina platensis on physiological indices of Ctenopharyngodon idella.

The number of 450 grass carp (10±0.5g) were divided into six treatments (three replicates) and fed with pellets contain 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4% spirulina for eight weeks, compared to forage (control). At initial and the end of experiment, growth and nutrition indices, meat composition, hematological and immunological indices, and carotenoid of fish were mesured. Means were compared by one-way ANOVA, Tukey test (p ≤ 0.05).

The best total length, weight, FCR, SGR, body weight gain, nutritional efficiency, daily growth and dietary intakes were observed in 4% Spirulina treatment, which showed significant difference with control (P˂0.05). Fat percentage of meat in 4% Spirulina treatment had difference with control significantly (P˂0.05). The number of RBCs in 1% spirulina treatment had significant difference (P˂0.05) with control. The highest Hct and Hb were observed in 1% spirulina treatment, and the highest WBCs and eosinophils were observed in 4% spirulina treatment, which had significant difference with control. Also, the percentage of lymphocytes in algae-treated treatments was significantly (P˂0.05) higher than control and non-algae-treated treatment. The highest level of lysozyme, bactericidal and anti-trypsin activity of serum were in 4% spirulina which had significant difference with control. Carotenoid of fish meat didn’t show significant difference between treatments.

According to the results, food pellets containing 4% Spirulina is recommended for improving growth and nutrition, hematological and immunological indices in grass carp.