Concurrent supplementation effects of dietary formic acid and vitamin D 3 on the growth, digestive enzyme activities and bone mineralization of pond‐cultured Cirrhinus mrigala fingerlings

Abstract

A 60-days feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of formic acid, vitamin D3 and their synergism on the performance of Cirrhinus mrigala fingerlings. Four diets designating as D0,0, D2,0, D0,5000 and D2,5000 were formulated by incorporating formic acid (FA) (%) and vitamin D3 (IU/Kg) at the levels of 0,0; 2,0; 0,5000 and 2,5000, respectively. Results showed improved growth performance by the individual addition of both the supplements. Similarly, bone mineralization and intestinal enzyme activities were also affected significantly with the supplementation of both the additives separately. Furthermore, vitamin D3 supplementation improved the crude protein (CP), crude fat (CF) and decreased the moisture contents in the muscles of fish. However, muscle moisture and ash contents were not affected by dietary FA, although a significant increase in CP and a decrease in CF was observed. The combined addition of both the supplements substantially ameliorated the growth performance and protease activity. Moreover, a positive synergism between these two supplements was also recorded for bone P, Zn and Mn contents. In conclusion, the individual, as well as combination of vitamin D3 and FA improved the growth performance and other attributes of test fingerlings.