Evaluation of Chuni, a commercially available low-cost cattle fodder, in the diet for rohu, Labeo rohita (Hamilton), fingerlings |
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| Authors: | A K Saha A K Ray |
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| Institution: | Fisheries Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan, West Bengal, India |
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| Abstract: | An 80-day feeding experiment was conducted to evaluate the suitability of incorporation of Chuni, a commercially available low-cost cattle fodder, comprising cereal grains and leguminous seeds, into the practical diets for rohu, Labeo rohita (Hamilton), an Indian major carp, fingerlings (average weight= 6.23 0.15g). Four experimental diets, incorporating Chuni at levels of 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% into a fish-meal-based control diet (35% protein) were formulated. In terms of fish growth, feed conversion, protein efficiency ratio, apparent nutrient digestibility, and protein and lipid deposition in fish muscle, 10%Chuni incorporated diet showed the best performance of fish and was comparable to those with the control diet. However, the growth of fish was lower with higher levels of Chuni incorporation (20% or more), which resulted in poor nutrient digestibility. The present results indicate that Chuni could be used as a component in the supplementary diet for L. rohita fingerlings, partially substituting the fish-meal-based diet up to the extent of 10%, and it this is the first report on the use of Chuni as a dietary ingredient in diets for carp. |
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