Carpio Fingerlings Research Articles

Effect of water pollution by nickel on hepatic enzymes and oxidative enzymes in Cyprinus carpio (common carp)

Nickel (Ni) is considered a toxic heavy metal that causes serious diseases in humans and animals. Therefore, this study was conducted on common carp, which is considered an essential food item for humans. This study was designed to investigate the effect of nickel on the hepatic and antioxidant enzymes of Cyprinus carpio after 3 and 6 weeks of exposure to water contaminated with Ni. C. carpio fingerlings were purchased from a neighboring fish hatchery. The morphometric characteristics of the experimental fish were documented. All fish were stocked, regardless of gender. The fish were exposed to different concentrations (20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 mg/L) to obtain the LC50 for Ni during 96 hours, and the median lethal concentration of Ni was 80 mg/L through 96 hours. The fish were exposed to two safe concentrations, 1 ppm and 5 ppm. The results after 3 and 6 weeks were as follows: When compared to the control groups, all treated groups had significantly higher levels of liver function parameters (ALT and AST). Malondialdehyde (MDA) and catalase activity measurement (CAT) enzyme levels were considerably higher in all treated groups after 3 and 6 weeks as compared to control groups. These changes are trustworthy indications of the cellular and humoral immune responses in C. carpio.

Effects of the medicinal plant, Tamarindus indica, as a potential supplement, on growth, nutrient digestibility, body composition and hematological indices of Cyprinus carpio fingerlings

Tamarindus indica, a beneficial herb, has many health benefits but there is limited research on its use in fish nutrition industry. The current study investigated the effects of incorporating extracts of T. indica into the canola meal-based diets of Cyprinus carpio (common carp); following which, the growth, digestibility, carcass and hematological markers were assessed. A total of six diets were formulated with varying concentrations of T. indica extracts (TIE) viz, 0 %, 0.5 %, 1 %, 1.5 %, 2 % and 2.5 %. The fish (N = 270, 15 fish/tank with triplicates) in each tank were fed experimental diets for 70 days. The study demonstrated that TIE supplementation significantly improved the growth of common carp when compared to 0 % TIE level (control). The best results were observed at 1 % TIE level for the specific growth rate (1.68 ± 0.03 %), weight gain (15.00 ± 0.57 g), and feed conversion ratio (1.36 ± 0.05). Conversely, the 2.5 % TIE level gave the least improvement in terms of growth performance. Specifically for nutrient digestibility, the maximum values of crude protein (CP, 67.60 ± 0.83 %), crude fat (CF, 67.49 ± 0.45 %) and gross energy (GE, 70.90 ± 0.56 %) were recorded at 1 % TIE level. In addition, the best results of body composition (protein: 63.92 ± 0.06 %, ash: 18.60 ± 0.03 %, fat: 7.12 ± 0.02 % and moisture: 10.36 ± 0.04 %) and hematological indices, were measured in carps fed with 1 % supplementation level. In conclusion, the overall health of C. carpio fingerlings was improved with TIE supplementation in the diet containing 1 % TIE.

Effect of dietary heat-killed Lactiplantibacillus plantarum VSG3 on growth, immunity, antioxidant status, and immune-related gene expression in pathogen-aggravated Cyprinus carpio

Heat-killed probiotics offer an alternative approach to enhance growth and disease resistance in farmed fish. In this study, we isolated Lactiplantibacillus plantarum VSG3 from the gut of Labeo rohita to investigate the effects of heat-killed L. plantarum (HK-LP) on the health and growth performance of Cyprinus carpio fingerlings. Different concentrations of HK-LP (0, 50, 100, 200, 300, and 400 mg/kg) were administered to the fish, followed by a challenge with Aeromonas hydrophila after 8 weeks of feeding. Notably, the LP200 group exhibited significantly improved percentage weight gain and specific growth rate, accompanied by the lowest feed conversion ratio. Post-challenge survival rates were considerably enhanced in the LP200 group, reaching 60.65%. Moreover, serum analysis indicated significantly higher levels of total protein and albumin in the LP200 group than in the control group. Although HK-LP had no substantial impact on certain serum parameters (glucose, total cholesterol, cortisol, and alanine aminotransferase), aspartate aminotransferase levels were considerably low in the LP200 group. Intestinal protease and trypsin activities significantly increased in the LP200 group, while no significant changes were observed in lipase and amylase activities post-pathogen challenge. Serum immunological indices, including lysozyme, alternative complement pathway, and phagocytic activity, improved considerably in the LP200 group. Additionally, serum antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase [SOD], glutathione peroxidase [GPx], catalase [CAT], and myeloperoxidase) were significantly elevated in the LP200 group, while malondialdehyde level was reduced. Gene expression analysis in liver tissue indicated strong upregulation of antioxidant-related genes (SOD, CAT, nuclear factor erythroid 2 [NFE2]-related factor 2 [Nrf2], Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1[Keap1]) in the LP100 and LP200 groups. Pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and TNF-α) were considerably downregulated in the kidneys of the LP200 post-challenged fish, although the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 showed an increased expression. Quadratic regression analysis identified the optimal dietary HK-LP level for maximizing growth and immune performance (200.381–270.003 mg/kg). In summary, our findings underscore the potential of HK-LP as a valuable dietary supplement for enhancing carp aquaculture, particularly at the appropriate concentration.

Comparative evaluation of raw and fermented Eichhornia crassipes leaf meal in the diet of Cyprinus carpio fingerlings: Effects on growth performance, body composition and haemato-biochemical responses

Eichhornia crassipes leaf meal (ELM) was fermented by solid-state fermentation using Chaetomium globosum MTCC 4179 that resulted in considerable changes in its nutrients and anti-nutrient profile. Both fermented ELM (FELM) and raw ELM were evaluated in the feed of Cyprinus carpio fingerlings through a feeding trial of 56 days. Five iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric diets viz. C, Control (30% DORB and 0% ELM or FELM), ELM15 (15% ELM with replacement of 50% DORB), ELM30 (30% ELM with replacement of 100% DORB), FELM15 (15% FELM with replacement of 50% DORB), and FELM30 (30% FELM with replacement of 100% DORB) were prepared and fed on satiation basis to 180 acclimated fish (body weight 8.38–8.48 g) of five respective groups in triplicate with the stocking density of 12 fish /tank. Significantly (P<0.05) higher weight gain (%), specific growth rate, and protein efficiency ratio and lower feed conversion ratio (FCR) were observed in ELM15 and FELM15 groups compared to the control. However, the growth performance of ELM30 and FELM30 groups showed no significant (P>0.05) difference with control group. Furthermore, fermented diets (FELM15 and FELM30) could not improve the growth performance of fish as compared to their non-fermented counterparts (ELM15 and ELM30). Total red blood cell count, packed cell volume (%), and total serum protein (g/dl) were significantly (P<0.05) higher in ELM15 compared to other ELM and FELM-based groups. Better body composition was observed in fish of ELM15 group, however, fish of control, and ELM30 showed similar body protein, lipid, ash and total carbohydrate. Thus, it is concluded that raw ELM can be incorporated in the diet of common carp up to the level of 30% with complete replacement of DORB without compromising the growth performance of fish. However, the fermentation of ELM with Chaetomium could not impart any additional benefits in terms of growth performance of fish. In addition, dietary inclusion of 15% raw or fermented ELM, in replacement of 50% DORB, can result in higher growth performance with better health condition of common carp fingerlings.

Biofloc System with Different Carbon Sources Improved Growth, Haematology, Nonspecific Immunity, and Resistivity against the Aeromonas hydrophila in Common Carp, Cyprinus carpio

Biofloc technology (BFT) is one of the most sustainable aquaculture system, which is based on the principle of nutrient recycling and addition of carbon to enable heterotrophic microorganisms to the system. To evaluate the performance of the biofloc culture system for Cyprinus carpio fingerlings, a 60-day growth trial was conducted. The fingerlings (n = 600) of average body weight (4.92 g ± 0.14) were stocked in 12 circular fiberglass tanks (300 L, volume 10.59 cft) to form three biofloc treatments (T1, T2, and T3) along with one control group. The carbon sources for treatments were sugarcane molasses, tapioca, and wheat. The C/N ratio of 15 was maintained for all treatments. After 60 days of rearing, the fish were challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila, and the relative percentage survival (RPS) was observed over 14 days. A haematological, nonspecific immune, and stress parameters were analyzed using blood and serum samples collected at intervals of 20, 40, and 60 days. According to the results, the carbon sources affected the water quality parameters but were still adequate for fish welfare. An increased biofloc volume was observed with tapioca. Growth performance and better feed conversion ratio were recorded in biofloc with the tapioca group. The hematological parameters, including haemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (HCT), white blood cells and lymphocytes were significantly (P &lt;0.05) higher in biofloc-based tapioca group than in other treatments and control. Further, the serum protein, globulin, albumin, total immunoglobulin, and respiratory burst activity were also found significantly (P &lt;0.05) higher in biofloc with tapioca as carbon source. However, the lysozyme activity was higher in biofloc with the wheat group. The RPS in tapioca was significantly higher, followed by biofloc with wheat. In conclusion, the tapioca-based biofloc can improve C. carpio growth, haematology, and nonspecific immune response under zero water exchange.

Ameliorative effect of dietary supplementation of kinnow peel powder on the health status of Cyprinus carpio (L.) fingerlings

An outdoor feeding trial (120 days) was carried out in FRP pools (1.5 × 1.0 × 0.75 m) to evaluate the efficacy of dietary incorporation of kinnow peel powder (KPP) on the health status of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) fingerlings. Healthy fingerlings (av. length 9.19 cm, and av. weight 10.51 g) were stocked in five feeding treatments @ 15 nos./tank following a complete randomized design with three replicates for each treatment and daily fed with five iso-proteinous experimental feeds containing KPP at 0 (KPP0), 0.5 (KPP1), 1.0 (KPP2), 1.50 (KPP3) and 2.0% (KPP4) inclusion levels @ 2% of fish body weight. The results demonstrated that the water quality parameters remained within the optimum/permissible limit for freshwater carps in all the treatments. Further, KPP supplementation improved the haematological indices (total erythrocyte count, total leucocyte count, haemoglobin and haematocrit) and immunological parameters (serum total protein, Albumin (A), globulin (G) and A: G ratio) of fish at all the inclusion levels in respect to control, while the best (P0.05) findings observed at 1.5% KPP inclusion level. Additionally, in comparison with the control group, KPP supplementation decreased the glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, lipid peroxidation level, being lowest (P0.05) in KPP3, while increased the superoxide dismutase activity and recorded highest (P0.05) in KPP3 group. The results revealed that KPP can be potentially utilized as health promoting natural feed additive at a 1.5 % inclusion level to improve the overall health condition of C. carpio fingerlings.

Evaluation of growth, nutrient absorption, body composition and blood indices under dietary exposure of iron oxide nanoparticles in Common carp (Cyprinus carpio).

The bioavailability, small size and direct absorption in the blood, make nanoparticles (NPs) a remarkable feed additive in the aquaculture industry. Therefore, dietary iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe2 O3 -NPs) were used to examine their effects on growth, nutrient absorption, body composition and blood indices in Cyprinus carpio (Common carp) fingerlings. Healthy C. carpio fingerlings (n = 270) were fed with six canola meal based experimental diets (D1-control, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6) supplemented with 0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 mg/kg Fe2 O3 -NPs respectively. A total of 15 fingerlings (average initial weight 5.51 ± 0.04 g/fish) were kept in triplicates for 70 days. The results indicated that maximum growth performance, apparent digestibility coefficient, body composition and haematological parameters were observed in 40 mg/kg Fe2 O3 -NPs supplementation. All the experimental diets were significantly improved (p < 0.05) in all the above parameters than control diet. In the present research, the recommended dosage of Fe2 O3 -NPs as dietary supplement is 40 mg/kg for improving the growth, nutrient absorption, body composition and haematological indices in C. carpio fingerlings. Hence, this study demonstrates the potential of NPs to improve the health of fish.

Acute Toxicity, and Neurobehavioural Responses of Afidopyropen on Exposure to Freshwater Edible Fish, Cyprinus carpio (Linnaeus)

Nowadays water pollution has become a real concerning problem worldwide in the aquatic ecosystem, due to the increasing use of a variety of pesticides in agriculture for the growing food demand in the world. Thereby in this investigation, we examined the LC50 value of afidopyropen, an insecticide, in addition to selected behavioural and ACh, AChE activity of Cyprinus carpio fingerlings. Fingerlings were exposed to different concentrations of afidopyropen ranging from 0.4mg to 1.6 mg/L by the semi-static bioassay method. And it had been found to be 1.0 mg/L. The fish exposed to this insecticide showed remarkable behavioural abnormalities in a dose-dependent manner. ACh accumulation and AChE inhibition in carp (Cyprinus carpio) exposed to a different concentration for the period of 96 hrs caused a significant increase in the elevation of acetylcholine (ACh), and was related to a marked decrease in the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE). In comparison with the corresponding controls, AChE activity was significantly decreased, whereas the ACh accumulation was markedly elevated due to the interaction of AChE activity which remarks in excess accumulation of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junctions and synapses leading to make them more excitable for the behavioural changes due to impaired neurophysiology of the fish brain. The toxicity of afidopyropen during exposure to fish suggests that this compound poses a greater risk to fish.

Effect of dietary β-mannanase supplementation on growth performance, digestibility, and gene expression levels of Cyprinus carpio (Linnaeus) fingerlings fed a plant protein-rich diet.

The aim of this study was to assess possible beneficial effects of dietary β-mannanase supplementation on the nutrient digestibility, growth performance, digestive and metabolic enzyme activity, and immune response of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) fed plant protein-rich diets. An experiment was conducted in triplicate, and a total of 225 fingerlings of common carp with an average body weight of 13.17 ± 0.12 g were stocked in 15 fiberglass tanks (15 fish/tank). Five dietary treatments (control 35% crude protein, plant-rich basal diet without supplement and four diets supplemented with β-mannanase from two sources (commercially available and locally isolated), each at two dosage levels (500 and 1,000 U/kg diet) were prepared and fed to respective groups of fish, twice a day (8:00 AM and 4:00 PM) at 4 % body weight. During the trial, changes in the level of DO and temperature ranged from 5.5 to 6.1 mg L−1 and 21.5 to 23.5°C, respectively. At the end of the feeding experiment, all fish in each tank were weighed and counted to determine growth parameters, while for the study of other indices, nine samples/treatment group were selected. The results of the study indicated a positive effect of both sources and dosage levels of β-mannanase supplementation on all studied indices, that is, significantly improved (P < 0.05), growth performance (%weight gain, specific growth rate), survival %, hematological indices (RBC, Hb, HCT, and MCHC), immunological indices (lysozyme activity, WBC, respiratory burst activity, and phagocytic activity), improved apparent digestibility of nutrients (crude protein, crude fat, and carbohydrates), and digestible energy. Furthermore, higher activity (P < 0.05) of the digestive enzymes (cellulase, lipase, and protease) and upregulation of MyoD gene in muscle and TNF-α gene in liver, intestine, and muscle were also observed, while the activity of serum AST (serum aspartate aminotransferase) and ALT (alanine transaminase) as compared to control group was significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Based on the results, β-mannanase supplementation (500 U/kg) could be recommended for obtaining better carp production when low-cost plant protein-rich diets are used.

Health and nutritional performance of young common carp Cyprinus carpio L. feeding diets with added bakery yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The current research was carried out to investigate the health and nutritional efficiency of the using bakery yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a dietary additive at rates of 0.5, 1 and 1.5% and observe the extent of its affect on the growth of common carp Cyprinus carpio fingerlings by following the parameters of growth, feeding efficiency and feed conversion rate. The results showed that T3 in total weight gain ratios of 232.12g/fish was significantly different from other treatments T0, T1 and T2 with no significant difference between them. The daily weight gain of T3 was 3.22g/fish with significant difference from the rest of the treatments which were 2.15, 2.39 and 2.26 for T0, T1 and T2, respectively, T3 by 175.75% with no significant difference between T0, T1 and T2. Growth rate results showed two higher values; 5.27% in T3 and lower in T0 with no significant difference (0.05&lt;P) between T0, T1 and T2, respectively. The best result for feed conversion rate was shown by T3 at 1.79 with a significant difference with T0. The higher value of feed conversion efficiency was 55.97% in T3, with no significant difference in all treatments in the amount of protein intake.

EFFICIENCY OF SYNBIOTIC AS FEED ADDITIVES ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE, SURVIVAL RATE AND HEALTH STATUS IN COMMON CARP CHALLENGED WITH SAPROLEGNIA SPP.

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of Synbiotic (combination of probiotic and prebiotic) as feed additive on growth performance, survival rate and immune response against Saprolegnia spp. in common carp. A total of 100 C. carpio fingerlings, weighing 49.55–50.50 g were randomly distributed into five treatment groups in duplicate, fishes were fed with different concentrations as follows: (T1) 0.5 %, (T2)1.0 % ,(T3) 1.5 % and (T4 ) 2% as well as the control group were fed basal diet without any addition of synbiotic. Results showed significant increase (P&lt; 0.05) in all growth parameters (i.e. final weight, DWG, RGR, SGR (%), FCR, FCE) compared with the control group. The highest values were observed in fish fed on the diet containing 2% and 1.5% synbiotic. Also, survival rate recorded highest value (100%) in treatment supplemented with synbiotic 2% compared with control group (75%), suggesting that the high level (2%) improve growth rate and survival rate. At the end of experimental period six fish were randomly selected from each treatment and control (C) + for challenge test in a viable fungal suspension (1×105 live zoospores/ml) of Saprolegnia spp. Considerable changes have been observed in the mean values of WBCs. Respiratory burst activity showed significant increased in all synbiotic diet compared to C+ group. These results can be considered as a beneficial dietary for improving the growth rate and immune response in common carp.

Effects of Polyphenols Supplemented Canola Meal Based Diet on Proximate Composition, Minerals Absorption and Hematology of Cyprinus carpio Fingerlings

Effects of Polyphenols Supplemented Canola Meal Based Diet on Proximate Composition, Minerals Absorption and Hematology of Cyprinus carpio Fingerlings

Evaluation of five commercial diets used for fish feeding in Basra governorate, southern Iraq

An nine week laboratory study was carried out to compare the quality of five commercial diets with the brand name Alsabah (SD), Marine Science Center (CD), Aljanaby (JD), Efico sigma 860 (ED) and Arasco (AD) diets in order to ascertain the extent to which they meet the nutritional requirements of common carp Cyprinus carpio fingerlings with mean initial weight 15.74+1.04 g. Fish fed AD diet exhibited significantly (P&lt;0.05) highest specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion efficiency (FCE) and protein efficiency ratio (PER). While the lowest values were obtained in fish fed CD and JD diets. Fish fed diets containing approximately 30% protein (AD and SD) had significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher PER values indicating maximal protein utilization. Also, results mentioned that satiation level (SL) were affected by energy content, bulk density and water stability of the diets. The lowest SL was observed for fish fed AD and ED diets. Significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher water stability was recorded in AD and ED than SD, CD and JD diets. However, the markedly high SGR, FCE, PER and water stability values along with lower SL obtained with AD diet suggested that diet promoted better characteristics for cultured fish comparing with the other diets.

Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Probiotic Bacteria (Lactobacillus plantarum) on Growth and Proximate Composition of Cyprinus carpio Fingerlings

Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Probiotic Bacteria (Lactobacillus plantarum) on Growth and Proximate Composition of Cyprinus carpio Fingerlings

Nephroprotective effect of Emblica officinalis fruit extract against malachite green toxicity in piscine model: Ultrastructure and oxidative stress study.

Malachite green (MG) is a multi-application dye with raised concern as aquatic toxicant. Cyprinus carpio fingerlings were exposed to MG and simultaneously fed with Emblica officinalis (EO) fruit extract to mitigate the MG induced nephrotoxicity. MG exposure developed depressed activity of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione-s-transferase, and reduced glutathione, while levels of malondialdehyde got significantly (p < .05) elevated after 60 days MG exposure. H&E staining revealed increased intracellular space, vacuolation, fluid-filled spaces, damaged brush border lining of proximal convoluted tubule (PCT), focal necrosis, nuclear transformations and shrunken glomerulus. Further, Transmission electron microscope study detailed structural cytotoxicity with the appearance of the heterochromatic nucleus, electron-dense lysosomal bodies, damaged brush border lining of PCT, and necrosis; glomerulus exhibited erythrocyte infiltration and fused pedicels of podocyte. While, EO extract supplemented diet culminated in the restoration of the renal cytoarchitecture and significantly (p < .05) enhanced activity of antioxidant enzymes.

Histochemical study of the intestine in the common carp Cyprinus carpio fingerlings to detect the impact of the replacement of dietary fish and soybean meals with shrimp wastes

Histochemical study of the intestine in the common carp Cyprinus carpio fingerlings to detect the impact of the replacement of dietary fish and soybean meals with shrimp wastes

Effects of Glyphosate Herbicide on Physiological Parameters of Koi Carp, Cyprinus Carpio (Linnaeus, 1758) Fingerlings

Background: Sub-lethal toxicity bioassay experiments were conducted to determine the toxicity of glyphosate herbicide on Koi carp, Cyprinus carpio fingerlings. Koi carp fingerlings with mean length 8.06 ± 0.99 cm were obtained from a freshwater fish seed hatchery of the university.Methods: The fishes were exposed to sub-lethal concentrations i.e. 1/10th (3.6 mgL-1) and 1/5th (6.6 mgL-1) of glyphosate. Oxygen consumption rate, Ammonia-Nitrogen excretion rate, Oxygen:Nitrogen ratio and food consumption rate were recorded after every 7 days for a period of 28 days.Result: Results indicated significant decrease (P less than 0.05) in oxygen consumption in 1/10th and 1/5th of LC50 concentrations. Ammonia-Nitrogen significcantly increased in exposed fishes. Oxygen : Nitrogen ratio and food consumption rate also significantly decreased (P greater than 0.05) in treated fishes. The results indicated that glyphosate had impacts on exposed fish, hence, the need of regulation of its usage to protect non-targeted species and the environment.

Mucilage Extraction from Basil (Ocimum basilicum) and its Applications in the Diets of Cyprinus carpio Fingerlings

Mucilage extracted from the dried sweet basil Ocimum basilicum and used as a binder in the diets of Cyprinus carpio fingerlings as an alternative to some traditional binders. Three diets were tested, i.e. treatment T1 (control), treatment (T2) and treatment (T3), which contained 0, 1 and 2% from basil mucilage, respectively. Basil mucilage inclusion did not affect the chemical composition of the experimental diets. The results of the current experiment showed that treatment T2 was the best comparing to the remaining treatments in terms of food intake and diet acceptance by fishes. This is evident from physical and chemical tests in terms of buoyancy, stability, fragmentation, density and floating time. In summary, the study has concluded that the process of extracting this gel from basil is simple and cheap, in addition to being a natural polymer.

Effectiveness of phytase pre-treatment on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and mineral status of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) juveniles fed Moringa by-product based diet.

Several anti-nutritional substances are found in plant derivatives for example phytate, that make the nutrients and minerals unavailable to fish, hence leading to poor growth performance. Presence of the anti-nutrient factor such as phytate is a chelated compound and need enzyme for its breakdown and availability of nutrients to improve fish growth. This research work was performed to check the improvement of overall performance of Cyprinus carpio fingerlings by the help of phytase addition in Moringa oleifera by- products based diet. Combination of Moringa seed meal and Moringa leaf meal was utilized as test ingredient to formulate seven test feeds, containing graded levels of phytase (0, 500, 650, 800, 950, 1100 and 1250 FTU kg−1). In feeding trial of 70 days, fingerlings were given feed two times in a day at the rate of 4% of wet weight of their bodies and faeces were collected. According to current results, it was found that growth performance parameters i.e. weight gain; 25 g, specific growth rate; 1.67 and feed conversion ratio; 1.10 were improved to maximum at 950 FTU kg−1. Digestibility of nutrients (crude protein; 73%, crude fat; 71% and gross energy; 67%) and minerals absorption was also maximum (Ca; 70%, Zn; 66%, K; 74%, Mn; 66% and P; 71%) at 950 FTU kg−1. Lowest growth efficiency, nutrient digestibility and mineral absorption were observed in fingerlings fed at control diet (0 FTU kg−1). Results of the current study, proved that 950 FTU kg−1 is the most optimum level of phytase to formulate economical and ecofriendly feed for improved growth of C. carpio fingerlings as it decreases the discharge of minerals and nutrients in water bodies.

Efficacy of Probiotics Supplementation on Growth Performance, Carcass Composition and Hematological Parameters of Cyprinus carpio Fingerlings Fed Corn Gluten Meal-Based Diet

Abstract Plant based protein sources are one of the best, cost effective and easily available protein sources being used in fish feed. But due to a lower number of micro-biota in fish gut plant meal based diets cannot be digested and absorbed well in fish body. Probiotics were supplemented at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 gkg-1 levels in fish feed for formulating one control and five test diets. In this study, three replicates of each treatment were used and number of fingerlings was 15 in each replicate. The C. carpio (common carp) fingerlings were fed at 5% of live wet weight on their prescribed diet twice daily. The results revealed that supplementation of probiotics in corn gluten meal based diets significantly (p<0.05) improved growth performance, carcass composition and hematological parameters. Most optimum values of growth performance parameters were noted at 2 gkg-1 level of probiotics supplemented diet. C. carpio fingerlings fed corn gluten meal based diet supplemented with 2 gkg-1 level of probiotics indicated significant (p<0.05) improvements in crude protein (17g) crude fat (9g) and gross energy (3 kcalg-1) whereas higher red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs) and hemoglobin (Hb) was also recorded in fish blood when fed 2 gkg-1 probiotics level diet. From these results, it was concluded that 2 gkg-1 probiotics supplementation in corn gluten meal based diet is optimum for improving growth performance, body composition and hematology of C. carpio fingerlings.