Abstract
A study was conducted to determine the efficacy of three most commonly used growth promoters from different pharmaceutical companies on growth performance of hybrid walking catfish (Clarias batrachus × Clarias gariepinus). The experiment was done in the wet laboratory of the Department of Aquaculture, BAU, Mymensingh, with a total of 10 aquaria and 160 fish having mean initial weight of 6.3 ± 0.48 g. The three growth promoters, Charger gel from Fishtech (BD) Ltd., Growth gel from Advance Agrotech (BD) Ltd. and Hepaprotect-aqua from Renata Animal health Ltd., were used in separate nine (9) aquaria at recommended, lower dose and higher dose respectively. One aquarium was used as control (diet without any growth promoter). The fish were fed with paragon nursery floating feed at 20% of body weight in each aquarium for 28 days. Doses of Charger gel were given as 80, 60 and 100 mg/20 g feed/day, that of Growth gel, 0.14, 0.12 and 0.16 ml/20 g feed/day and of Hepaprotect-aqua, 30, 15 and 50 mg/20 g feed/day. Re-circulatory system was used throughout the experimental period. By applying recommended, lower and higher dose of Charger gel, mean final weights were found as 23.0, 21.9 and 35.9 g; average daily weight gain as 0.60, 0.56 and 1.06 g and specific growth rate (SGR) as 2.01, 1.93 and 2.70% respectively. For Growth gel, mean final weights were found as 22.8, 17.3 and 31.1 g; average daily weight gain as 0.59, 0.39 and 0.88 g and SGR as 1.99, 1.57 and 2.48 % respectively. For Hepaprotect-aqua, mean final weights were found as 24.2, 17.5 and 28.2 g; average daily weight gain as 0.64, 0.40 and 0.78 g and SGR as 2.09, 1.58 and 2.32% respectively. In all the cases survival rates were 100%. All the three growth promoters showed better results at their higher doses in comparison to their results in lower and recommended doses. However, in average Charger gel showed the best result than the other two growth promoters. This information on the efficacy study of growth promoters needs to be disseminated to the farmers for improved fish production.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. March 2017, 3(1): 103-108
Highlights
Growth promoters are chemical and biological substances added to fish feed with the aim to improving fish growth (Tacon, 2014)
Experimental design The experiment was done in the wet laboratory of the Department of Aquaculture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, with 10 aquaria and 160 fish for 28 days (27 May to 23 June 2016)
Effects growth promoters to average growth of fish after 28 days The average growth after 28 days of the experiment fish fed with growth promoter Charger gel with recommended dose, lower dose and higher dose were 23.0 ± 2.67, 21.9 ± 1.91 and 35.9 ± 2.02 g respectively, with Growth gel, 22.8 ± 2.44, 17.3 ± 1.77 and 31.1 ± 2.60 g respectively, with Hepaprotect-aqua, 24.2 ± 2.15, 17.5 ± 1.58 and 28.2 ± 1.87 g respectively and without growth promoter (Control) was 14.4 ± 1.65 g (Figure 1)
Summary
Growth promoters are chemical and biological substances added to fish feed with the aim to improving fish growth (Tacon, 2014). It is used to enhance the digestion and thereby production by increasing growth rate, FCR as well as for improving defense mechanism and significant reduction in mortality. The use of such feed additives has been proven to be successful in aquaculture. It is necessary to fatten fishes and improve the utilization of food for better production and financial results. Use of aqua-medicines for various purposes is widely recognized.
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