Study of Haematological Parameters in Catfish Pangasianodon hypophthalmus Fed with Probiotics Supplemented Diets

The effect of probiotics as dietary supplement on haematological parameters of the catfish Pangasianodon hypophthalmus was studied under laboratory conditions. The fishes were fed for 60 days with two different diets supplemented with bacterial suspension of Bacillus subtilis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae respectively at x108 CFU g-1and control group was maintained without the probiotic. Blood samples were collected at the intervals of 15, 30, 45 and 60 days. The haematological parameters such as total erythrocyte count (RBC), total leucocyte count (WBC), haematocrit (Hct), haemoglobin (Hb) and haematological indices (MCV, MCH and MCHC) were examined. Haematological parameters showed elevated levels in fishes fed with probiotic Bacillus subtilis supplemented diet. The results indicate that Bacillus subtilis proves to be a better probiotic tool than Saccharomyces cerevisiae which may be preferred for aquaculture practices.