Effect of Different Levels of Α-Cellulose on Growth and Survival of Rohu (Labeo Rohita) Fingerlings

Abstract

Four isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets, with different α-cellulose inclusion levels, were formulated. Diet with 4% α-cellulose in it served as control. Fish ranging from 2.6-3.4 gm each were housed in glass aquaria @10 fish per aquarium. Aquaria were provided with 14L/10D fluorescent light. Trial was conducted for 60 days. No mortality was observed in any group. All diets performed equally well. However, the diet with 12% α-cellulose showed superiority over the rest of the treatments in growth and nutrient digestibility. There was no variation in digestibility of carbohydrates and dry matter contents. Lowest digestibility of fats and protein was observed in 16% α-cellulose containing diet the group which also displayed the lowest growth. The studies have suggested that Labeo fingerlings can tolerate complex carbohydrates up to 16% if included in the diet but there is a gradual reduction in performance if inclusion level of this carbohydrate exceeds 12% of the diet.