Serum biochemical and histological studies in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) fed with pointed gourd (Trichosanthes dioica)

The effect of graded levels of pointed gourd (Trichosanthes dioica) feeding on biochemical and histological alterations in Cyprinus carpio was investigated. Four diets at 0, 5, 10 and 15% inclusion levels of pointed gourd fruit (PGF) paste designated as groups G0, G1, G2 and G3 respectively. Fish fed with 15% PGF paste manifested greater reduction in the levels of total serum glucose, asparate amino transferase, alanine amino transferase, creatinine and significant (P<0.05) increase in total serum protein, albumin and globulin level. The changes were significant between the groups and within the group at different days post treatment (DPT). In all the groups at all the intervals, i.e. 14^th, 35^th and 63^rd DPT, liver revealed severe vacuolar degeneration of hepatocytes, swelling of hepatocytes leading to loss of sinusoidal spaces. At many places, hepatocytes were showing coagulative necrosis. In spleen and head kidney, no histological alterations could be seen in any groups. The results indicated that Cyprinuscarpio can be fed pointed gourd fruit in basal feed up to 15% inclusion level without any negative effect on the health status of the fish.