Studies on digestibility and digestive enzyme activities in Labeo rohita (Hamilton) juveniles: effect of microbial α-amylase supplementation in non-gelatinized or gelatinized corn-based diet at two protein levels

A 60-days feeding trial was conducted to delineate the effect of both gelatinized and non-gelatinized corn with or without supplementation with exogenous α-amylase at two dietary protein levels (35% and 28%) on dry matter digestibility, digestive enzymes and tissue glycogen content of Labeo rohita juveniles. Three hundred and sixty juveniles (average weight 10±0.15 g] were randomly distributed into 12 treatment groups with each of two replicates. Twelve semi-purified diets containing either 35% or 28% crude protein were prepared by including gelatinized (G) or non-gelatinized (NG) corn as carbohydrate source with different level of microbial α-amylase (0, 50, 100 and 150 mg kg⁻¹). The dry matter digestibility of G corn fed groups was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that of the NG corn fed groups. Hepatosomatic index (HSI), liver glycogen and intestinal amylase activity of G starch fed groups were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those of the NG corn fed groups. However, the reverse trend was found for gastrosomatic index (GSI), muscle glycogen and intestinal protease activity. Addition of 50 mg α-amylase kg⁻¹ feed improved the dry matter digestibility of NG starch fed groups, which was similar to that of the G corn fed groups or NG corn supplemented with 100/150 mg α-amylase kg⁻¹ feed. HSI, liver glycogen and intestinal amylase activity were significantly increased (P < 0.05) at minimum level of α-amylase in the feed (50 mg kg⁻¹) and did not increase due to further inclusion of amylase in the diet. Supplementation with α-amylase at 50 mg kg⁻¹ increased the intestinal amylase activity beyond which no significant changes were observed. Protease activity of liver and intestine was highest (P < 0.05) in higher crude protein (CP) fed groups, but protease activity of the intestine was significantly higher in the α-amylase supplemented groups. Hence, it was concluded that feed with 28% CP containing either G corn without α-amylase or NG corn with 50 mg α-amylase kg⁻¹ may be used as the alternative carbohydrate source for L. rohita juveniles.