Nano-Fe as feed additive improves the hematological and immunological parameters of fish, Labeo rohita H.

An experiment was conducted to compare the effects of iron oxide nanoparticles (T-1) and ferrous sulfate (T-2) on Indian major carp, Labeo rohita H. There were significant differences (P < 0.05) in the final weight of T-1 and T-2 compared with the control. Survival rates were not affected by the dietary treatments. Fish fed a basal diet (control) showed lower (P < 0.05) iron content in muscle compared to T-1 and T-2. Furthermore, the highest value (P < 0.05) of iron content was observed in T-1. In addition, RBCs and hemoglobin levels were significantly higher in T-1 as compared to other treated groups. Different innate immune parameters such as respiratory burst activity, bactericidal activity and myeloperoxidase activity were higher in nano-Fe-treated diet (T-1) as compared to other iron source (T-2) and control in 30 days post-feeding. Moreover, nano-Fe appeared to be more effective (P < 0.05) than ferrous sulfate in increasing muscle iron and hemoglobin contents. Dietary administration of nano-Fe did not cause any oxidative damage, but improved antioxidant enzymatic activities (SOD and GSH level) irrespective of different iron sources in the basal diet.