Electron beam irradiation on aqua-feed: Effect on haemato-immunological parameters and histological changes in Labeo rohita fingerlings

A feeding trial for 60 days was conducted to study the effect of electron beam (EB) irradiated feed (10 KGy radiation) on the haemato-immunological parameters and histological changes in Labeo rohita (L. rohita) fingerlings. One hundred and eight fishes (5 ± 0.5 g) were randomly distributed into 3 treatment groups with each of three replicates. The feed ingredients irradiated were cotton seed cake, rubber seed cake, soybean meal, mustard oil cake and rice bran. Three practical diets with 30% protein content were prepared viz control (non-irradiated diet), T1 (formulated feed treated with 10 KGy EB radiation) and T2 (feed formulated by individually irradiated ingredients). Haemoglobin content in the treatment groups was increased significantly but RBC count was similar (P>0.05) among the experimental groups. Immunological parameters like respiratory burst activity and total leucocytes count increased significantly in EB irradiated groups. Feeding EB irradiated diet affect the histological structure of the gill and liver of the fishes in different groups. The study concludes that EB irradiated diets improve the haemato-immunological parameters in L. rohita fingerlings