Immunostimulatory Effect of Vitamin C on Hematobiochemical Parameters of Labeo bata (Hamilton, 1822)

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the immunomodulatory effect of vitamin C (Vit. C) on haematological and biochemical parameters in Labeo bata. The effect of Vit. C on resistance to challenge with Edwardsiella tarda was also investigated. A feeding trial was conducted for a period of 40 days where 240 fishes (10±5 gm) were randomly distributed in to 4 groups in duplicate. Four diets were prepared with different concentration of Vit. C viz., control (0 mg kg-1), low (100 mg kg-1), medium (200 mg kg-1) and high dose (500 mg kg-1). Total erythrocyte count, haemoglobin concentration, total serum protein, albumin and globulin were estimated at 7, 15 and 30 days of feeding and one day and 10 day post challenge with E. tarda. It was seen that the RBC count of the group fed medium dose of Vit. C was higher than the rest of the groups after 7 and 15 days of feeding and 10 days post challenge. The haemoglobin concentration of Vit. C treated group was significantly higher than the control. It was also seen that the medium dose of Vit. C (200 mg kg-1 feed) showed better immunity by showing elevated protein, albumin, globulin concentration at higher survival when compared to the control.