Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
1- Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Natural Resources, Urmia University, P.O. Box 57153-165, Urmia, Iran. 2- Artemia & Aquaculture Research Institute, Urmia University, P.O. Box: 57153-165, Urmia, Iran
2
Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Natural Resources, Urmia University, P.O. Box 57153-165, Urmia, Iran.
3
Department of Ecology and Biotechnology, Artemia, Artemia & Aquaculture Research Institute, Urmia University, P.O. Box: 57153-165, Urmia, Iran
4
Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, West Azarbayjan, Urmia, Iran
10.30466/vrf.2025.2049784.4617
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) on the growth, blood parameters, skin mucus, and serum biochemistry of juvenile common carp (Cyprinus carpio). A total of 300 fish with an average weight of 12 ± 0.33 g were randomly distributed in 12 fiberglass tanks with a capacity of 300 L and fed with diets supplemented with ZnO-NPs at concentrations of 0 (control), 10, 50, and 100 mg kg-1 for 60 days. The results indicated that 50 mg kg-1 ZnO-NPs supplementation significantly improved fish weight, length, specific growth rate, and feed conversion ratio (p<0.05). The highest survival rate was observed in the treatment with 50 mg kg-1 ZnO-NPs (p>0.05). This treatment also led to the lowest red blood cell counts but the highest hemoglobin levels, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, white blood cell counts, and lymphocyte percentages (p>0.05). In contrast, the highest neutrophil counts were observed at 100 mg kg-1 ZnO-NPs (p<0.05). The highest serum biochemical including total immunoglobulin, lysozyme, and zinc levels were observed in the treatment with 50 mg kg-1 ZnO-NPs (p<0.05). While, in the skin mucus, total immunoglobulin, lysozyme, and alkaline phosphatase significantly increased at groups fed with 10 mg kg-1 ZnO-NPs (p<0.05). Overall, the findings suggest that dietary inclusion of 50 mg kg−1 ZnO-NPs can effectively promote growth and enhance immune responses of juvenile C. carpio, indicating their potential application in aquaculture practices. However, caution is advised at higher concentrations due to potential adverse effects on fish health.
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