Growth, hemato-biochemical, immune-antioxidant response, and gene expression in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) received nano iron oxide-incorporated diets.

Nanotechnology has recently played a key role in tackling many aquacultures issues. Hence, the present study targets the evaluation of dietary inclusion of nano iron oxide (nFeO) on growth performance, hematology, immune-antioxidant responses, ionic regulation and expression of related genes in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Fish were fed supplementary nFeO at rates of zero (control), 0.5, and 1 g/kg diet for 30 days. Obtained data demonstrated that nFeO significantly (P < 0.05) augmented growth performance (final weight and length, body mass gain, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio, and length gain rate). Hematological picture {RBCs, Hb, MCV, MCH and MCHC, and leukocytes interpretations (WBCs and monocytes)}; and biochemical indexes including (AST and ALT; total protein; and glucose, and cortisol) were significantly (P < 0.05) improved in nFeO supplemented groups. Plasma ionic concentration was also altered with nFeO supplementation, and 1g nFeO revealed the most marked increase in plasma (Na) potassium (K) levels. Similarly, IgM, nitrous oxide (NO), and lysozyme activity, plus superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities showed a remarkable improvement in 1g nFeO group compared to the control. Expression of Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) and interleukin 1-β (IL-1β) genes were significantly up-regulated in nFeO supplemented groups. Briefly, dietary nFeO inclusion had enhanced properties on growth; hemato-biochemical; immune, antioxidative profiles; and related genes expression of O. niloticus, with a recommended concentration of 1g nFeO.