Growth performance and immune response of silver striped catfish Pangasianodon hypophthalmus (Sauvage,1878) fed with Lapsi choerospondias axillaris (Roxburgh, 1832) during intensive aquaculture.

Abstract

Background: Lapsi (Choerospondias axillaris) is a medicinal plant native to Nepal; its fruit is widely used for the treatment of various diseases in various countries like Mongolia, China, Vietnam, etc. Hypothesis: The lapsi fruit is rich in high level of antioxidant compounds which may be useful for fish health. Objectives: Four hundred fingerlings @ 7.27 ± 03 g were procured, acclimatized and 360 fingerlings from the stock were distributed randomly at the rate of 15 fishes per tank into 24 plastic tanks (30 inch x 24 inch x 18 inch) equally. Eight (T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7 and T8 ) purified experimental diets containing 40% crude protein were prepared using different doses of lapsi extracts (LE) and lapsi powder (LP) as 0, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600 mg kg-1 LE and then 100 and 200 mg kg-1 LP in T7 and T8 respectively along with other usual ingredients. Proximate analysis, weight gain%, specific growth rate (SGR) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) was studied. Various enzymes like SGOT, SGPT, ALP, NBT, SOD and Catalase were studied from the blood, liver and gills of experimental fishes to understand the immune response. Results: It has been concluded that T4 diet fed fish i.e. 400 mg kg-1 LE will be better for fish farmers for better growth and better fish immunity. Discussion: Medicinal herbs have strong antibacterial effects of active compounds known to and play an important role in preventing bacterial infections. Conclusions: Lapsi Choerospondias axillaris may be useful for the aqua-farmers for better aquaculture productions and it may enhance the socioeconomic status of the country. Acknowledgement: Expressing sincere thanks to Dr. W. S. Lakra, Former Vice Chancellor of ICARCIFE, and Mumbai for provided lab facilities. Fellowship provided by Tribhuvan University, Nepal, Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) and Indian Science Academy INSA-Delhi are gratefully acknowledged.