Dietary vitamin C supplementation on growth and haemato - biochemical parameters of Labeo rohita (Ham.) fingerlings

Abstract

The cyprinid fish Labeo rohita was fed with vitamin C supplemented diet at varying dosage of no vitamin C (control), 500 mg kg-1 (T1), 1000 mg kg-1 (T2) and 1500 mg kg-1 (T3) diets for 45 days. Growth (Specific growth rate), hematological parameters (red blood cell (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), packed cell volume (PCV) and hemoglobin), biochemical (blood glucose, total protein) were evaluated during experimental period on 15th, 30th, 45th days and challenge study was conducted with Aeromonas hydrophila bacteria after 45th day and the samples were collected on 60th day. The group T2 had significantly higher RBC count on all the days of sampling followed by T1. WBC count were significantly (p<0.05) higher in T2 group in all the days of sampling followed by T1 and T3. The PCV level in fish fed with supplemented diet containing vitamin C was insignificant (p<0.05) in T2 and T1 group up to 45th day, while group T2 showed increasing trend and was significant on 60th day. The hemoglobin content were significantly (p<0.05) higher on 30th, 45th and 60th day in T2 group. Blood glucose level in T2 group showed significantly (p<0.05) higher value on the 15th day to 45th day. Protein level in T2 was significantly higher in all the days whereas, T2 was significant (p<0.05) on the 15th and 45th day. Vitamin C supplemented diet showed increasing specific growth rate than the control. The concentration 500 to 1000 mg kg -1 vitamin C was found to be optimum to increase haemato-biochemical parameter and growth in L. rohita under the present experimental conditions. The present results suggest that the dosage 1000 mg kg-1 vitamin C has beneficial effect on growth haematobiochemical parameter of L. rohita.