Effects of chitosan prebiotic on the growth performance, hematological parameters, survival and resistance to salinity stress in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) fry

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of dietary chitosan on the growth performance, some hematological parameters, survival and resistance to salinity stress of common carp fry. Fish (1.219± 0.033 g) were divided to four groups fed on diets containing chitosan in different levels: 0 (control), 0.5, 1 and 2 % for 54 days. The results showed that there was a significant increase in final weight and weight gain in those fish fed chitosan diets (P<0.05). In addition, food conversion ratio and MCH of fish fed chitosan diets was significantly (P<0.05) lower than those fed the control group. On the other hand, condition factor was a significant increase in fish fed 0.5% chitosan diets (P<0.05). However, there was no significant differences in specific growth rate, survival and MCV between fish fed different experimental diets (P>0.05). There was a significant decrease in white blood cells count in the 1% treatment and hematocrit in the 1 and 0.5 % treatments (P<0.05). Also, there was a significant increase in red blood cells count and MCHC in 2% and 0.5% treatments, respectively. The results of the present study indicate that the supplement of 1% chitosan have a positive affect on the growth performance and some blood parameters of the common carp fry.