Impact of Zinc Phosphide on Hematology, Behaviour and Proximate Composition of Oreochromis niloticus

Zinc phosphide is a rodenticide, crystalline compound of dark grey color. It is present in many pesticides and when sprayed on plants it gains entry into food and water. Objective: To evaluate the effect of zinc phosphide on the hematology, behavior and proximate composition of Oreochromis niloticus. Methods: In present research, fish were given a dose of zinc phosphide in aquarium for twenty days. Fish were divided into two groups, control, and treatment, each with three replicates. Treatment group was exposed to 1mg/ml of Zinc phosphide given to treatment group twice a day for 20 days continuously. When the experiment was completed fish were anaesthetized, dissected and blood was drawn to evaluate the hematological parameters. Fish activities swimming, gill movement, mortality and morbidity were recorded.  Results: Zinc Phosphide exhibited variable impact on proximate composition. There was a significant decrease in values of crude fat and increase in value of crude protein and total ash in comparison to control group. Fish were active during the trial period they exhibited fast movement, no rubbing against the wall, and fish didn't harm each other in the treatment group. Conclusions: According to these results, zinc phosphide havearmful impacts on fish health. As a result, its usage must be carefully regulated to reduce environmental contamination and safeguard aquatic ecosystems.