The effect of probiotic Bio-Aqua® on growth performance, haematological and biochemical parameters of bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis)

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of probiotic Bio-Aqua® on growth performance, carcass composition,  haematological and biochemical parameters of bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis) as well as the physico-chemical parameters of earthen ponds waters. For this purpose, bighead carp was cultured with initial weight of 0.5±0.05 g with selective experimental treatments for 4 months. In this study, treatments included: control (0 g / ha Bio-Aqua ®), T1 (250 g/ha Bio-Aqua ®), T2 (350 g/ha Bio-Aqua®) and T3 (450 g/ha Bio-Aqua®) which they were added to water of earthen ponds. Based on these results, significant difference was observed in specific growth rate, weight gain, daily growth rate, feed conversion ratio and survival in T3 treatment (450 g/ha) compared to the other treatments (p<0.05). Also, there was a significant difference in the crude protein and moisture contents in T3 group compared to control and T1 groups (p<0.05). Moreover, in T3 treatment, total protein, number of red and white blood cells, hemoglobin, PCV, monocytes and neutrophils were significantly higher than the other treatments (p<0.05). Bio-Aqua ®, in T3 (450 g/ha concentration) significantly reduced TSS, BOD, COD, nitrite and phosphate of water in earthen ponds compare to other treatments (p<0.05). This study demonstrated that Bio-Aqua® supplement, especially in T3 group (450 g/ha) improved growth performance, nutritional value, survival rate, chemical composition and haematological parameters of bighead carp.