Archives of Current Research International

Aquaculture health management increasingly requires safe, feed-based alternatives to reduce disease-related losses and limit dependence on chemotherapeutic agents. Herbal immunostimulants such as Amalaki Rasayan may support innate immunity and disease resistance in rohu (Labeo rohita) fry. The present study assessed the effectiveness of Amalaki Rasayan (AR) as a dietary supplement in Labeo rohita fry during a 60-day experimental period. Amalaki (Indian gooseberry) is recognised for its rich vitamin C content, and its therapeutic potential is enhanced when processed into AR, an Ayurvedic formulation reported to have strong antioxidant properties even at lower concentrations than conventional Amalaki powder. This study aimed to identify an appropriate AR supplementation level for supporting immune function in L. rohita fry. Experimental diets were prepared with AR at inclusion levels of 0.5%, 1%, 1.5% and 2% (5 g, 10 g, 15 g and 20 g per kg of feed, respectively), while the control diet contained no AR. Key immunological parameters, including total erythrocyte count, total leukocyte count and respiratory burst activity, were evaluated together with disease resistance against Aeromonas hydrophila. Water quality parameters were monitored periodically throughout the trial. At the end of the feeding period, fish fed 2% AR showed significantly higher (P < 0.05) erythrocyte count, leukocyte count and respiratory burst activity than the control group. Post-challenge mortality was also lower in AR-supplemented groups, with the lowest mortality recorded in T3 and T4. These findings indicate that dietary supplementation with 2% AR (20 g/kg feed) may improve selected haematological responses, innate immune activity and disease resistance in L. rohita fry under the experimental conditions.