Interactive effect of citric acid, phytase and chelated mineral on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and whole‐body composition ofLabeo rohitafingerlings

Abstract

The present 2 × 2×3 factorial experiment with Labeo rohita fingerlings was designed to investigate the effect of citric acid (CA), phytase (PHY) and organic trace elements (TEs) supplementations in sunflower meal-based diets. Twelve experimental diets based on levels of CA (0 and 30 g kg−1), PHY (0 and 1000 FTU kg−1) and TEs [(inorganic (1.5 g kg−1) and organic (1g kg−1 and 0.5 g kg−1)] were formulated. In vitro phytate hydrolysis was intensified with the addition of CA and PHY. The supplementation of CA, PHY and organic TEs (p < 0.05) improved the growth of fingerlings compared to the fish fed TEs from inorganic salts. Nutrient digestibility and mineral absorption w`ere significantly affected by all of the three supplements. Higher deposition (p < 0.05) of Cu, Mn, Fe and Zn in whole body was recorded by feeding organic TEs. Moreover, synergistically positive second and higher order interactions were observed for most of the studied parameters. In conclusion, supplementation of CA, PHY and organically chelated TEs alone as well as in combination, in sunflower meal-based diets, improved the nutrient utilization in fingerlings leading to improved growth.