Digestibility of Dry Matter and Nutrients from Azolla pinnata by Labeo calbasu (Hamilton, 1822) with a Note on Digestive Enzyme Activity
Digestibility of Dry Matter and Nutrients from Azolla pinnata by Labeo calbasu (Hamilton, 1822) with a Note on Digestive Enzyme Activity
Date
2017
Authors
Gangadhar, B
Umalatha, H.
Hegde, G
Sridhar, N
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Society of Fisheries Technologists (India),cochin
Abstract
Digestibility of feed ingredients in the compounded
diet is an important factor affecting the growth of
fish. A study was conducted in indoor plastic tubs
to estimate the in vivo digestibility of dry matter and
nutrients by a minor carp Labeo calbasu for a nonconventional
feed ingredient – azolla, incorporated
at levels ranging from 0-40% using crude fibre as
the marker. The activities of major digestive
enzymes were also estimated in the gut of fish fed
varied levels of azolla. The digestibility values were
the highest (p<0.05) at 10% azolla inclusion level.
While the total dry matter digestibility and fat
digestibility values of control diet were comparable
with that of azolla diets up to 30% incorporation,
with a decline thereafter; protein and NFE
digestibilities were comparable up to 40% incorporation.
Activities of majority of digestive enzymes
were the highest (p<0.05) at 10% azolla incorporation
level showing a decreasing trend at still higher
levels. The study reveals the usefulness of azolla for
inclusion in calbasu diets. Azolla can be used up to
30% without affecting the digestibility.
Description
Keywords
Digestibility, Labeo calbasu, azolla, digestive enzyme, non-conventional ingredients
Citation
Fishery Tech 54. (2) : 94 - 99