Abstract

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Study characterized immune responses in immunomodulated Labeo rohita fingerlings. 3% ß-glucan at a dose of 2 gm % was administered (i.p.) for seven consecutive days. The experimental design consisted of four groups. Fishes were challenged with 3 ×107 cfu ml-1 Aeromonas hydrophila. Upon termination, growth, hematological and biochemical parameters were analyzed. Results showed significant increase (p < 0.05) in K value and specific growth rate for the immune primed fishes in comparison to the other three groups, indicating positive effect of β glucan on fish health. Total erythrocyte count, haemoglobin percentage and Haematocrit value increased significantly (p < 0.05) in group II in comparison to other 3 groups. Total leukocyte count and Leucokrit value showed similar pattern in which the highest significant (p < 0.05) value was observed in group III, followed by group II, IV and I. MCV and MCH showed highest values in group IV in comparison to group III, II and I. Significant difference was found in differential WBC counts across the 4 groups. Albumin globulin ratio and total protein content were measured which indicated that ß glucan has an enhancing effect on immune responses of Labeo rohita fingerlings. Thus the efficacy of ß glucan was found to be significant in improving the immune responses in Labeo rohita immunocompromised with Aeromonas hydrophila.

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