Hematological and anthelminthic responses of tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) supplemented with Artrhospira platensis and Chlorella vulgaris

Abstract

Abstract The present study evaluated the hematological, antiparasitic and growth responses in tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) fed with diets supplemented with the microalgae Arthrospira platensis and Chlorella vulgaris (0%; 10% A. platensis; 10% C. vulgaris; and 5% A. platensis+5% C. vulgaris). Tambaqui (n=60, 62.57 ± 8.76 g) were fed for 20 days with experimental diets. Blood samples collection was done to determine hematological parameters, and gills were removed to identify and count monogenetic parasites. Supplementation with A. platensis 10% reduced red blood cells count, in consequence mean corpuscular volume and mean hemoglobin concentration increased. Total leukocyte, monocyte, eosinophil, and basophil counts reduced with the use of A. platensis. Higher monocytes, eosinophil, and basophil numbers in tambaqui fed with diet supplemented with 10% C. vulgaris were observed and may have been due to the presence of immunostimulants in this microalga composition. Reduction on total cholesterol in tambaqui that received both microalgae (A. platensis 5%+C. vulgaris 5%) may indicate that combined supplementation presented greater benefits to the health for C. macropomum than separately. Both microalgae were efficient against monogenetic parasites of tambaqui. Thus, the dietary use of the microalgae A. platensis and C. vulgaris provided immunostimulant and antiparasitic efficacy in C. macropomum.