Photoperiod manipulation improves growth performance, haematological indices and economic returns of Indian butter catfish, Ompok bimaculatus (Bloch, 1794).

Abstract

Photoperiod manipulation is emerging as an effective approach for regulating physiological functions in fish. This study aimed to assess the impact of photoperiod on the growth performance, haematological responses, and economic returns of the endangered and highly valued Indian butter catfish, Ompok bimaculatus. Fish with an average body weight of 28.60 ± 4.78g were randomly placed in six FRP tanks, each measuring 120 × 45 × 60 cm3. Each tank contained 20 fish exposed to a light intensity of 1500lx under different photoperiods [24:0 light: dark (L: D), 15L: 9D, 12L: 12D, 9L: 15D, 0L: 24D and a natural photoperiod (control)], and fed at a daily rate of 2% of their body weight twice daily for 60 days. The fish in the 15L: 9D photoperiod exhibited the highest final weight (g), percentage weight gain, specific growth rate (SGR) and survival rate, while the lowest was displayed in 24L: 0D photoperiod group. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was at its lowest in the catfish subjected to the 15L: 9D photoperiod. Regarding haematological parameters, the 15L: 9D photoperiod group showed higher total erythrocyte count, total leukocyte count, haemoglobin levels, and haematocrit values compared to the other groups. Conversely, the 0L: 24D group, which experienced prolonged darkness, exhibited the lowest values in these parameters. Moreover, the 24L: 0D, 9L: 15D, and 0L: 24D groups displayed a lower mean corpuscular volume (MCV) but higher mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) when compared to the control group. The economic analysis revealed that O. bimaculatus reared in a moderate photoperiod (15L: 9D) displayed better growth, feed utilization, and overall health. This finding suggests that adopting a 15L: 9D photoperiod can lead to enhanced production and improved economic returns for farmers culturing this high-value catfish in the future.