Growth response, feed conversion ratio and antiprotease activity of Cynodon dactylon (L.) mixed diet in Catla catla (Ham.)

Abstract

The effect of C. dactylon incorporated into diet formulations on the growth and body composition of Indian major carp, Catla (Catla catla) were investigated in a 45 days feeding trial. Different concentration (0, 0.05, 0.5 and 5% with the total fish feed) of C. dactylon ethanolic extract was mixed with feed ingredient. The incorporation of C. dactylon mixed diet improved the feed conversion ratio and body composition in C. catla. The elevated levels of amylase and protease activity were found in hepatopancreas at 30th days of feeding trial in 0.5 and 5% level of mixed diet groups. Non-specific immune parameter of serum antiprotease activity was higher in 5% level of experimental group. The results indicate that 5% inclusion of C. dactylon mixed diet improves the growth performance, feed efficiency, body composition, digestive enzyme and antiprotease activity in C. catla. In general, this study demonstrated the benefits of incorporating C. dactylon into fish feeds. © Medwell Journals, 2011.