Effect of Citric Acid Acidified Moringa oleifera Seed Meal based Diet on Minerals Absorption, Carcass Composition and Hematological Indices of Cirrhinus mrigala Fingerlings

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of citric acid (CA) treated Moringa oleifera seed meal (MOSM) based diet on mineral absorption, carcass composition and hematological indices in Cirrhinus mrigala fingerlings. Basal diet was supplemented with 0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% and 5% CA resulting in the formulation of six experimental diets. Ten fingerlings were stocked in tanks in triplicate for each treatment. Feed was given at 5% live wet body weight of fingerlings for 90 days. Results showed that diet acidification with CA significantly (p< 0.05) improved the mineral absorption, carcass composition and hematological indices of C. mrigala fingerlings compared to control diet. Data shows that mineral absorption was higher (p<0.05) at medium levels of CA supplementation (2%, 3% or 4% levels) compared to extreme levels (1% and 5%). Maximum body crude protein and crude fat contents were observed in C. mrigala fed 2 % and 3% CA supplemented diets, respectively. Moreover, fingerlings fed CA acidified diets showed significant improvement (p< 0.05) in hematological parameters compared to control diet. Comparison of treatments showed maximum values of RBCs (2.83×106mm-3), WBCs (7.76×103mm-3), PLT (65.96), Hb (8.47 g/100ml), PCV (24.51 %), and MCV (187.11 fl) in fingerlings fed 3% CA supplemented diet. In conclusion, 3% CA acidified MOSM based diet performed better regarding mineral absorption, carcass composition and hematological indices C. mrigala fingerlings.