Effect of chlorella-based diets on growth of the silver carp, hypophthalmichthys molitrix

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of Chlorella vulgaris dried additive on the growth, feed utilization, and biochemical parameters of silver carp fingerlings. The trial was conducted in outdoor concrete rectangular ponds (4 m × 10 m × 1.5 m, WLD). Fish were reared in duplicate groups of 60 silver carp fingerlings with an average initial body weight and length of 1.7± 0.03 g and 5.8 ± 0.6 cm /fish, respectively, for 16 weeks. Four experimental diets (35%, protein) were formulated containing 1, 2, 3, and 4% of dried Chlorella powder, and a control diet (without additives). Results showed that the growth parameter for experimented fish was significantly (p<0.05) affected by the tested additive. The optimal values of feed conversion and protein efficiency ratios were recorded for the fish-fed diets (3 & 4). Hepato-somatic index (HIS) was significantly (p<0.05) affected by experimental diets, however, viscera somatic index (VSI) was insignificantly affected (p>0.05). Blood and biochemical parameters were affected by Chlorella inclusion. The present results cleared enhancement of the growth, biological, physiological, and immunity factors of the treated fish by the chlorella additive.