Utilization of electron beam irradiated Jatropha kernel meal in the diet of Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1822) fingerlings

Defatted Jatropha kernel meal (DJKM) was irradiated through electron beam radiation at 25 kGy (IJKM). After irradiation, PEs and phytate were decreased by 36.67% and 55.27%, respectively, with slight reduction in total hydrolysed amino acids in IJKM. A 45‐day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the utilization of irradiated Jatropha kernel meal (IJKM) in the diet of rohu (Labeo rohita) fingerlings. Five isonitrogenous (300 g/kg CP) and isoenergetic (15 MJ/kg GE) diets such as T0 (control, without IJKM), T5 (50 g/kg IJKM), T10 (100 g/kg IJKM), T15 (150 g/kg IJKM) and T20 (200 g/kg IJKM) were prepared and fed to fish of respective treatments. Fish fed diets containing T15 and T20 groups exhibited significantly lower (p < .05) weight gain, FCE, PER, ANPU, HSI, ISI, survival rate, nutrient and energy digestibility, than the other groups. Fish of higher IJKM fed groups (T15 and T20) also showed lower muscle moisture, protein, ash and higher muscle lipid content. The liver catalase and SOD activities significantly decreased in the higher IJKM fed groups. It is concluded that IJKM (irradiated by 25 kGy electron beam) can be incorporated up to 100 g/kg in carp feed with the replacement of 33% soybean meal and 28% ground nut oil cake without compromising growth performances of Labeo rohita.