Dietary incorporation of Achyranthes aspera seed influences the immunity of common carp Cyprinus carpio

Abstract

Achryanthes aspera seed (0.5%) was incorporated in the diet for Cyprinus carpio (90±17g): control diet was prepared without the seed ofAchyranthes. After 4 weeks of feeding, fish were immunized with chicken RBC and were sampled for 4 weeks after immunization. Antigen-specific antibody response, total serum protein, serum albumin and globulin. Lysozyme serum al-protease inhibitor and a2-macroglobulin,and RNA/DNA ratio of spleen and kidey were determined.The immune response of the fish was enhanced when fed with experimental diet containing. Acharyanthes aspera. Haemagglutinating antibody tires were significantly (P&lt0.05) higher in Acharyanthes treated group than control group. Serum globulin level was significantly (P&lt0.01) higher in the test group than the control one on second week. Serum a2-macrog[obulin level was also significantly higher in test group than control. but there was no significant difference in a1- protease inhibitor level. RNA/DNA ratio was higher in the test group than the control group. All these results confirm that Acharyanthes aspera enhances the immunity of Cyprinus carplo.