Effect of betaine as a feed attractant on growth, survival, and feed utilization in fingerlings of the Indian major carp, Labeo rohita

Abstract

The study evaluated the efficiency of betaine as a feed attractant on growth, survival, and feed utilization in fingerlings of rohu (Labeo rohita). Betaine was incorporated at 0 (control), 0.25%, 0.50%, or 0.75% in a 30% protein diet and fed to fingerlings for 120 days in a closed and aerated recirculating system. Feed was offered twice daily at a rate of 5% of the fish biomass during the first 15 days and 3% afterwards. Significantly better growth, specific growth rate, survival, food conversion ratio, and protein efficiency ratio were obtained in the group fed 0.25% betaine.