GROWTH AND DIGESTIVE ENZYME RESPONSES IN Labeo rohita FINGERLINGS FED WITH Chromolaena ordata LEAF MEAL

One of the major constraints for the intensification of fish farming is the scarcity of proteinaceous ingredients in fish feeds.  As an alternative source of protein, leaf meal could be an ideal source as plants are wide spread on earth. Chromolaena odorata (siam weed) is an invasive terrestrial weed and a source of quality protein which could serve as a potential feed ingredient

A 60-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate growth response and digestive enzyme activities of Labeo rohita fingerling fed with Chromolaena ordata leaf meal (COLM). About 180 fingerlings (average weight 3±0.13 g) were randomly distributed in the four distinct experimental groups in triplicates. Four purified iso-nitrogenous diets (330 g Kg^-1 CP) with different combinations of COLM and de-oiled rice bran (DORB) such as T1 (control diet with 30% DORB + 0% COLM), T2 (diet with 20% DORB + 10% COLM), T3 (diet with 10% DORB + 20% COLM) and T4 (diet with 0% DORB + 30% COLM) were prepared and the fishes were fed to satiation level for sixty days.

Among the various groups T3 exhibited higher (P<0.05) growth performance compared to T1, T2 and T4 group. However, weight gain of T2 and T4 were similar (P>0.05) to control group (T1). Digestive enzymes like amylase, protease and chymotrypsin activities were significantly higher (P<0.05) in the T3 group compared to control group. Overall results revealed that COLM can effectively replace DORB up to 66.6% and it could be used as an alternate ingredient in the diet of Labeo rohita fingerlings.