Effects of iron nanoparticles on growth performance, survival, some blood-immune factors and liver tissue of Acipenser stellatus

The present study aimed to determine the effects of iron nanoparticles (Fe-NPS) on growth performance, survival rate, liver histopathology and some blood and immune parameters of stellate sturgeon (Acipenser stellatus) juvenile. A total of 144 fish (175-195 g) were fed diets containing graded levels of Fe-NPs (0, 25, 50 and 100 mg kg -1 diet) for 8 weeks. Based on results, no significant differences were observed in body weight increases, specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR), mean cell volume (MCV), mean cell hemoglobin (MCH), mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), eosinophils, monocytes, albumin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and lysozyme activity between treatments (P>0.05). Fish fed 50 mg Kg -1 Fe-NPs showed a significant difference in the red and white blood cells, neutrophils, total protein, respiratory burst activity, and total immunoglobulin level (P<0.05) with no negative effect on the fish liver. After 8 weeks, survival rates of 86.11%, 94.4%, and 97.22% were recorded in groups that received 25, 50 and 100 mg Kg -1 Fe-NPS, respectively. Survival rate in control group was 94.44%. These results indicated that Fe-NPS at level 50 mg Kg -1 improved the welfare and survival rate of stellate sturgeon juvenile and had no negative effect on the fish liver.