Supplementation of fish meal with moringa oleifera seed meal (MOSM) and its effect on growth performance and survival in ROHU, Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1822) fry

Abstract

The present experiment was conducted for 60 days to examine the effects of supplementation of fish meal with Moringa oleifera seed meal (MOSM) on the growth performance and survival in rohu, Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1822) fry. The fish were divided into five groups with different inclusion levels of Moringa seed meal (MSM) in their diets: T0 (without MSM), T1 (5%), T2 (10%), T3 (15%), and T4 (20%). L. rohita fry (1.264±0.02 g) were stocked at a density of 20 nos. per tank in a total of 15 tanks. The results of the experiment showed that the group fed with a 5% inclusion level of MSM (T1) exhibited the highest mean weight gain, percent weight gain, specific growth rate, and protein efficiency ratio. Regarding feed utilization, T1 group demonstrated the best feed conversion ratio (FCR). On the other hand, T4 group had the highest FCR. The analysis of fish body (carcass) composition revealed that the T1 group had the highest protein content, control group (T0) had the highest moisture content, T1 group had the highest fat content, and T3 group had the highest ash content. In conclusion, the research findings suggest that costly fishmeal can be supplemented with cost-effective plant products like Moringa oleifera seed meal (MOSM) at 10% can promote good growth, body composition, and feed utilization without any adverse effects.