Histopathological Alterations in the Liver of Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) Fingerlings Fed a Diet Supplemented with Agaricus bisporus

Abstract

The present study aimed to evaluate the histopathological changes in liver tissues of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) fed a diet supplemented with Agaricus bisporus. A total of six experimental diets containing 28% protein were prepared. The control diet was prepared without supplementation of A. bisporus powder (ABP) whereas the treatment diets were supplemented with ABP at an inclusion level of 2%, 4%, 6%, 8% and 10%. The experiment was conducted for 180 days followed by four-day challenge test and the histopathological evaluation was carried out on fish following the challenge with Aeromonas hydrophila. Common carp fingerlings were stocked at a density of 10 nos. in each plastic tubs (70 L) having 3 replicates. Fish supplemented with 8% of ABP showed significantly higher growth than other groups. The results of challenge test against A. hydrophila showed that administration of ABP supplemented diets significantly increased common carp resistance against disease and the highest survival rate (90%) was observed in the fish supplemented with 8% ABP. The liver histopathological study demonstrated that fish supplemented with 8% ABP exhibited markedly fewer to no pathological changes in liver tissue as compared to control group, reflecting its beneficial effect. The present results confirmed the immunomodulatory effects of A. bisporus and support its potential use as a natural alternative immunostimulant for common carp aquaculture.