Efficiency of betaine and β-glucan as feed additives on the growth performance and survival rate of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) fingerlings

Abstract

The present study was aimed to evaluate the efficiency of betaine and 0.2% β-glucan on growth performance and survival rate of common carp. 120 fingerlings of Cyprinus carpio weight ranged between 46-46.5g were randomly distributed into six treatment groups. Fish were fed different betaine concentration: 0.15% (T1), 0.2% (T2), 0.25% (T3) and 0.3% (T4). The fifth group (T5) was fed 0.2% β-glucan, control group was fed 0% of betaine and β-glucan in the diet. All treatments fed twice a day at rate 3% B.W for 56 days. The study was conducted at College of Veterinary Medicine/ University of Baghdad, Ichthyology laboratory, Baghdad, Iraq, from 27/4/ to 21/6/2016. Results of feeding trail in treated groups with betaine supplementation showed significant increase (P< 0.05) in all growth parameters (i.e:final weight, DWG, RGR, SGR(%), FCR, FCE) compared with the control group, and the highest values were recorded in T4 supplemented with betaine 0.3%. Also, survival rate recorded highest value (100%) in treatment groups supplemented with betaine 0.3% and β-glucan 0.2% in comparison with control group (80%), suggesting that the high level of betaine (0.3%) improve growth rate and survival rate in common carp