Yeast extract, brewer's yeast and spirulina in diets for Labeo rohita fingerlings affect haemato-immunological responses and survival following Aeromonas hydrophila challenge

A feeding trial was conducted for 60 days to study the immunomodulatory role of three different immunostimulants yeast extract (YE), brewer's yeast (BY) and spirulina (SP) in Labeo rohita fingerlings. Four hundred and fifty fingerlings (avg. wt 335 +/- 0.15 g) were randomly distributed in ten treatments and fed with either of ten iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric semi-purified diets, prepared with three incremental levels (1%, 2% and 4%) of different immunostimulants except the control. Growth parameters did not vary significantly (p > 0.05) among the experimental groups. Haematology and serum parameters was performed before Aeromonas hydrophila challenge whereas respiratory burst activity was analysed following challenge. The respiratory burst activity, total leucocyte count, serum total protein and globulin was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in YE 1% supplemented group. The survival (%) after challenging with A. hydrophila was also highest in the YE fed groups. The results indicate that among the different sources and levels of immunostimulants, YE at lower inclusion level is more effective in promoting the immune status of L rohita fingerlings. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.