Nutritional deficiency disease in an Indian major carp, Cirrhina mrigala Hamilton, due to avitaminosis C during early growth

Abstract. Experiments with a purified vitamin test diet on newly hatched Cirrhina mrigala Hamilton, a major carp of great piscicultural importance, are reported. Experimentally induced vitamin C deficiency for 330 days was followed by recovery treatment for 30 days. Retarded growth and greater mortality accompanied by structural deformities such as lordosis and scoliosis, increasing with prolonged deficiency, were recorded. Haematological and haematopoietic studies revealed hypochromic macrocytic anaemia accompanied by anisocytosis. Correlated studies on erythropoiesis revealed increased reticulocytes and an overall decrease in small lymphoid haemoblasts. Total and differential leucocyte counts revealed leucopenia and thrombopenia accompanied by an increase in neutrophils and eosinophils. Recovery treatment halted and in some cases even compensated these pathophysio-logical changes to some extent.     

Dietary histidine requirement of fingerling Indian major carp, Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton)

An 8‐week growth trial was conducted to determine the dietary histidine requirement of the Indian major carp, Cirrhinus mrigala fingerling (length 4.22 ± 0.45 cm; weight 0.61 ± 0.08 g; n = 40). Isonitrogenous (400 g kg^?1 crude protein) and isoenergetic (17.90 kJ g^?1 gross energy) diets with graded levels of l ‐histidine (2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0, 12.5 and 15.0 g kg^?1 dry diet) were formulated using casein and gelatin as a source of intact protein, supplemented with l ‐crystalline amino acids. Twenty fish were randomly stocked in 70‐L indoor polyvinyl circular fish tank (water volume 55‐L, water exchange rate 1–1.5 L min^?1) and fed experimental diets at the rate of 5% of their body weight/day divided over two feedings at 08:00 and 16:00 h. Maximum live weight gain (295%), best feed conversion ratio (FCR) (1.48) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) (1.69) occurred at 7.5 g kg^?1 of dietary histidine level. When live weight gain, FCR and PER data were analysed using second‐degree polynomial regression, the break points indicated histidine requirements at 9.4, 8.6 and 8.5 g kg^?1 of dry diet respectively. Significantly (P < 0.05) higher whole body protein and low moisture values were recorded at 7.5 g kg^?1 histidine level. Body fat increased significantly (P < 0.05) with increasing histidine levels. However, at 7.5 and 10 g kg^?1 histidine diets body fat did not differ (P > 0.05) to each other. Ash content of fish fed diets containing various levels of histidine did not differ except at 2.5 and 5.0 g kg^?1 inclusion levels where significantly (P < 0.05) higher ash was recorded. Protein deposition was also found to be significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the 7.5 g kg^?1 histidine diet. Based on the polynomial regression analysis of FCR and PER data, it is recommended that the diet for fingerling C. mrigala should contain histidine at 8.5 g kg^?1 of dry diet, corresponding to 21.25 g kg^?1 of dietary protein for optimum growth and efficient utilization of feed.     

Dietary threonine requirement of fingerling Indian major carp, Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton)

Indian major carp fingerling, Cirrhinus mrigala (3.85±0.75 cm, 0.52±0.21 g), were fed isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets (40% crude protein, 4.28 kcal g^?1, gross energy) containing casein, gelatin and crystalline amino acids with graded levels of l ‐threonine (1.00, 1.25, 1.50, 1.75, 2.00 and 2.25 g 100 g^?1, dry diet) to determine the dietary threonine requirement. The feeding trial was conducted in triplicate for 8 weeks. Diets were fed twice a day at 08:00 and 16:00 hours at 5% body weight day^?1. The ration size and feeding schedule were worked out before the start of the feeding trial. Highest weight gain (304%) and best feed conversion ratio (1.43) were evident in fish fed diet containing 1.75% dietary threonine. Second‐degree polynomial regression analysis of weight gain, feed conversion ratio and protein efficiency ratio data indicated the dietary threonine requirement to be at 1.84%, 1.81% and 1.78%, respectively, corresponding to 4.60%, 4.52% and 4.45% of dietary protein. Minimum carcass moisture, fat and maximum carcass protein were evident in fish fed 1.75% threonine level. However, ash content did not affect body composition, except the 1.00% threonine level, which showed a significantly higher ash content value. Based on the above results, it is recommended that the diet for C. mrigala should contain threonine at 1.80 g 100 g^?1 dry diet, corresponding to 4.50 g 100 g^?1 dietary protein for optimum growth and efficient feed utilization.     

Dietary arginine requirement of fingerling Indian major carp, Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton)

Dietary arginine requirement of fingerling Indian major carp, Cirrhinus mrigala (4.20 ± 0.05 cm; 0.60 ± 0.02 g) was determined by conducting a 8‐week feeding trial with casein–gelatine‐based diets (400 g kg^?1 crude protein; 17.90 kJ g^?1, gross energy), containing crystalline amino acids with graded levels of l ‐arginine (10, 12.5, 15, 17.5, 20 and 22.5 g kg^?1, dry diet). Fish were randomly stocked, in triplicate groups, in 55‐L indoor polyvinyl flow through circular tanks and fed experimental diets at 5% of their body weight divided into two feedings at 08.00 and 16.00 hours. Live weight gain (321%) and feed conversion ratio (FCR 1.40) were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in fish fed diet containing 17.5 g kg^?1dietary arginine compared with other diets. Second‐degree polynomial regression analysis of live weight gain, FCR and protein efficiency ratio data indicated requirements for dietary arginine at 18.7, 18.4 and 18.3 g kg^?1 of the dry diet, respectively. Maximum carcass protein, and minimum moisture and fat contents were noticed at the requirement level. Carcass ash content remained insignificantly different among the treatments except at 17.5 g kg^?1 dietary arginine showing significantly higher ash content. Based on the above results, it is recommended that the diet for fingerling C. mrigala should contain arginine at 18.4 g kg^?1, dry diet, corresponding to 46 g kg^?1 dietary protein for optimum growth and efficient feed utilization.     

Dietary methionine requirement of fingerling Indian major carp, Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton)

Indian major carp, Cirrhinus mrigala fingerling (3.85 ± 0.50 cm, 0.50 ± 0.02 g) were fed isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets (40% CP, 4.28 kcal g⁻¹, GE) containing casein, gelatin and crystalline amino acids with graded levels of L- methionine (0.50, 0.75, 1.00, 1.25, 1.50 and 2.00 g/ 100 g, dry diet) with 1.00% cystine fixed, to determine its dietary methionine requirement. A feeding trial was conducted in triplicate for six weeks. Diets were fed twice a day at 0800 and 1600 h at 5% of body weight/day. The ration size and feeding regime were worked out prior to the start of the feeding trial. Weight gain (158%) and food conversion ratio (1.45) were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in fish fed diet containing 1.00% methionine with 1.00% cystine fixed. Second degree polynomial regression analysis of the weight gain data indicated the dietary methionine requirement to be 1.20 g/100 g of dry diet, corresponding to 3.00% of dietary protein. Second degree polynomial regression analysis was also employed to determine the relationship between food conversion ratio (FCR) and dietary methionine levels which indicated that the best FCR occurred at approximately 1.20% dietary methionine level. Carcass composition of fish fed diet containing graded levels of methionine varied significantly (P < 0.05) except carcass ash content which showed insignificant (P > 0.05) differences among the dietary methionine levels. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Dietary tryptophan requirement of fingerling Indian major carp, Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton)

An 8‐week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary tryptophan concentration on weight gain and feed efficiencies of fingerling Indian major carp, Cirrhinus mrigala. Six isonitrogenous (40% crude protein) and isocaloric (17.90 kJ g^?1) amino acid test diets containing casein, gelatin and l ‐crystalline amino acids with graded levels of l ‐tryptophan (0.06, 0.16, 0.26, 0.36, 0.46 and 0.56 g 100 g^?1 dry diet) were formulated. Fish (4.25±0.30 cm, 0.62±0.02 g) were randomly stocked in triplicate groups in 70 L (water volume 55 L) flow‐through (1–1.5 L min^?1) indoor circular tanks and fed experimental diets at 5% of their body weight/day in two feedings at 08:00 and 16:00 hours. Maximum live weight gain (277%), lowest feed conversion ratio (FCR) (1.50) and highest protein efficiency ratio (PER) (1.66) were measured at 0.36% dietary tryptophan. The relationship between dietary tryptophan levels and weight gain, FCR and PER data were described using second‐degree polynomial regression analysis indicating the tryptophan requirement at 0.42, 0.39 and 0.38 g 100 g^?1 of dry diet respectively. Whole body moisture decreased with increasing tryptophan up to 0.36%. Significantly (P<0.05) higher protein content was evident in fish fed diet containing 0.36% tryptophan. Body fat increased significantly (P<0.05) in fish fed with different tryptophan concentrations except those fed 0.36% tryptophan where a significantly lower fat content was noted. Significantly (P<0.05) higher ash content was reported at 0.06% and 0.16% tryptophan levels. Survival was 100% in fish fed all the diets except those fed 0.06% tryptophan. Based on the results, diets for fingerling C. mrigala should contain tryptophan at 0.38 g 100 g^?1 dry diet, corresponding to 0.95 g 100 g^?1 dietary protein for optimum growth and efficient feed utilization.     

Nutritional requirement of ascorbic acid by Indian major carp,Cirrhina mrigala,during early growth

Using synthetic diets, hatchlings of Cirrhina mrigala (obtained through induced breeding) were fed graded levels of ascorbic acid: 0, 60, 300, 600, 900, and 1200 mg/kg diet for 240 days. Studies on survival, growth and morphological changes of these fishes are reported. Statistical analysis of growth, deformity and survival rates at these levels suggested an optimum requirement of 650–750 mg ascorbic acid/kg diet in this early part of the life of the fish. Avitaminosis resulted in poor growth, high mortality rate (up to 42%), severe haemorrhages, fin necrosis, increased pigmentation and spinal flexures. 60 mg and 300 mg ascorbic acid/kg dietary levels also resulted in poor survival and growth rates. Skeletal deformities were also observed in some of these fish.     

Dietary thiamin and pyridoxine requirements of fingerling Indian major carp,Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton)

Two experiments were conducted to quantify the dietary thiamin (experiment I) and pyridoxine (experiment II) requirements of fingerling Cirrhinus mrigala for 16 weeks. In experiment I, dietary thiamin requirement was determined by feeding seven casein–gelatin‐based diets (400 g kg^?1 CP; 18.69 kJ g^?1 GE) with graded levels of thiamin (0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8 and 16 mg kg^?1 diet) to triplicate groups of fish (6.15 ± 0.37 cm; 1.89 ± 0.12 g). Fish fed diet with 2 mg kg^?1 thiamin had highest specific growth rate (SGR), protein retention (PR), RNA/DNA ratio, haemoglobin (Hb), haematocrit (Hct), RBCs and best feed conversion ratio (FCR). However, highest liver thiamin concentration was recorded in fish fed 4 mg thiamin kg^?1 diet. Broken‐line analysis of SGR, PR and liver thiamin concentrations exhibited the thiamin requirement in the range of 1.79–3.34 mg kg^?1 diet (0.096–0.179 μg thiamin kJ^?1 gross energy). In experiment II, six casein–gelatin‐based diets (400 g kg^?1 CP; 18.69 kJ g^?1 GE) containing graded levels of pyridoxine (0, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 mg kg^?1 diet) were fed to triplicate groups of fish (6.35 ± 0.37 cm; 1.97 ± 0.12 g). Fish fed diet containing 6 mg kg^?1 pyridoxine showed best SGR, FCR, PR, RNA/DNA ratio, Hb, Hct and RBCs, whereas maximum liver pyridoxine concentration was recorded in fish fed 8 mg kg^?1 dietary pyridoxine. Broken‐line analysis of SGR, PR and liver pyridoxine concentrations reflected the pyridoxine requirement from 5.63 to 8.61 mg kg^?1 diet. Data generated during this study would be useful in formulating thiamin‐ and pyridoxine‐balanced feeds for the intensive culture of this fish.     

Dietary methionine requirement of Indian major carp fry,Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton) based on growth,feed conversion and nitrogen retention efficiency

This study was aimed at quantifying methionine requirement of Indian major carp fry, Cirrhinus mrigala (2.2 ± 0.2 cm; 0.19 ± 0.02 g) by conducting a 12‐week feeding trial. Casein–gelatine‐based isonitrogenous (40 g 100 g^?1 crude protein) and isoenergetic (15.42 kJ g^?1 DE) amino acid test diets were prepared to contain six levels of l ‐methionine (1.1, 1.3, 1.5, 1.7, 1.9 and 2.1 g 100 g^?1 dry diet) at a fixed level of cysteine (0.85 g 100 g^?1 dry diet) and fed to apparent satiation thrice daily to triplicate groups of fish. When absolute weight gain (g per fish), feed conversion ratio, protein deposition (g per fish) and nitrogen retention efficiency data were subjected to broken‐line and second‐degree polynomial regression analysis, 95% of the plateau of above parameters was achieved at dietary methionine concentrations between 1.60 and 1.69 g 100 g^?1 dry diet or 0.10 to 0.11 g methionine kJ^?1 DE, corresponding to 4.1–4.22 g 100 g^?1 protein or 0.44–0.47 g methionine kJ^?1 DE. Based on these results, dietary methionine requirement of fry C. mrigala is recommended 1.60–1.69 g 100 g^?1 diet or 0.10–0.11 g methionine kJ^?1 DE.     

Environmental effects of common carp Cyprinus carpio (L.) and mrigal Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton) as bottom feeders in major Indian carp polycultures

A polyculture experiment with the large carp rohu, catla and either mrigal or common carp (as cash crop fish), and the small indigenous fish punti (as food for the farmer's family) was carried out at Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh. The main objectives were to compare polycultures of large carp in which the bottom feeder is either the native mrigal or the exotic common carp, and to assess the effects of adding the small indigenous species punti to those polycultures. The results of fish–fish interactions and overall fish production have already been reported. The present paper presents the effects on the water quality, and discusses fish–environment interactions. The main conclusions are: time changes in the pond environment were stronger than fish composition effects. The main practice affecting water quality was liming, that incresed alkalinity, pH and water transparency and decreased ammonia. Rain affected photosynthesis and the match‐mismatch of the two steps of nitrification. The more that bottom feeding fish species disrupt the mud bottom, the stronger their effects on pond environment. Common carp produce the strongest disruption of the mud bottom, followed by punti and then by mrigal. Mud disruption produced by common carp leads to a stronger liming effect, nutrient release into the water, and provides more particles that rain‐floods wash out, facilitating the mismatch of the two steps of nitrification, and increased phosphorus adsorption into the mud bottom. Mud disruption by punti is only enough to improve the liming effect. Mud disruption by mrigal is the least, hence less particles are resuspended, nitrification is not affected during floods and relatively more phosphate remains in the water available for photosynthesis. The bottom feeder common carp can be seen not only as a target‐cultured fish but also as a management tool. Farmers can get double benefit in introducing common carp in the ponds as it enhances the effectiveness of lime application and increases the availability of nutrients to phytoplankton. Through the manipulation of species in the polyculture alone, farmers can maintain the environment better and also reduce input costs.     

The effect of common carp, Cyprinus carpio (L.) and mrigal, Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton) as bottom feeders in major Indian carp polycultures

A polyculture experiment with the large carp rohu, Labeo rohita (Hamilton), catla, Catla catla (Hamilton) and either mrigal, Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton) or common carp, Cyprinus carpio (L.) (as cash crop fish), and the small indigenous fish punti, Puntius sophore (Hamilton) (as food for the small‐scale farmer family) was carried out at the Field Laboratory of the Faculty of Fisheries, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh. The main objective was to compare polycultures of large carp in which the bottom feeder is either the native mrigal or the exotic common carp. Secondary objectives were to assess the effects of adding the small indigenous species punti to polycultures of large carp, and to compare the effects of mrigal and common carp on punti production and reproduction. It was found that (i) common carp damaged embankments, had no effect on catla, improved rohu performance by 50% and total fish production by 20%; (ii) punti addition did not affect rohu, catla and total yield, improved mrigal performance by 50%, and decreased common carp performance by 20%; and (iii) punti was not affected either by common carp or by mrigal. However, its performance was not satisfactory, probably owing to frequent netting, which might have hindered growth and breeding. In spite of the embankment damage caused by common carp, this bottom feeder seems to be more promising than mrigal, because it leads to higher fish production. The addition of punti to the large carp polyculture is a viable proposition, as it does not reduce cash crop production, and might be a good food source for a small‐scale farmer's family.     

Dietary leucine requirement of fingerling Indian major carp, Labeo rohita (Hamilton)

An 8-week feeding experiment was conducted to evaluate the dietary leucine requirement of fingerling Indian major carp, Labeo rohita (3.50±0.04 cm; 0.40±0.02 g) using amino acid test diets (40% crude protein; 17.90 kJ g⁻¹ gross energy) containing casein and gelatin as intact protein sources and l -crystalline amino acids. Growth performance and biochemical parameters were assessed by feeding six amino acid test diets supplemented with graded concentrations of leucine (0.75, 1.0, 1.25, 1.50, 1.75 and 2.0 g per 100 g) to triplicate groups of fingerlings to apparent satiation divided over two feedings at 07:00 and 17:30 hours. Performance of the fish was evaluated on the basis of live weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), protein efficiency ratio (PER) and body protein deposition (BPD) data. Maximum live weight gain (315%), best FCR (1.35), highest PER (1.86) and BPD (33.9) were recorded at 1.50 g per 100 g dietary leucine. Statistical analysis of live weight gain, FCR, PER and BPD data reflected significant differences (P<0.05) among treatments. Live weight gain, FCR, PER and BPD data were also analysed using second-degree polynomial regression analysis to obtain more accurate leucine requirement estimate which was found to be at 1.57, 1.55, 1.52 and 1.50 g per 100 g of dry diet, corresponding to 3.92, 3.87, 3.80 and 3.75 g per 100 g of dietary protein respectively. Based on the quadratic regression analysis of the live weight gain, FCR, PER and BPD data, the optimum requirement of fingerling L. rohita for leucine is estimated to be in the range of 1.50–1.57 g per 100 g of the dry diet, corresponding to 3.75–3.92 g per 100 g of dietary protein.     

Dietary threonine requirement of fingerling Indian major carp,Labeo rohita (Hamilton)

An 8‐week feeding experiment was conducted in a water flow‐through system (26–28 °C) to determine the dietary threonine requirement of fingerling Labeo rohita (3.90±0.03 cm; 0.58±0.02 g). Growth, feed utilization and body composition of fish fed test diets (40% crude protein; 17.9 kJ g^?1 gross energy) with graded levels of l ‐threonine (0.75%, 1.0%, 1.25%, 1.50%, 1.75% and 2.0% dry diet) to apparent satiation were response variables used to assess threonine adequacy. Diets were made isonitrogenous and isoenergetic by adjusting the levels of glycine and dextrin. The amino acid profiles of the test diets were formulated to that of 40% whole chicken egg protein except for threonine. The performance of fish fed experimental diets was evaluated using calculated values for weight gain (g fish^?1), feed conversion ratio (FCR), protein efficiency ratio (PER) and protein productive value (PPV) data. Maximum weight gain (g fish^?1) (1.79), lowest FCR (1.39), highest PER (1.76) and PPV (0.33) were recorded at 1.50 g per 100 g dietary threonine. Statistical analysis of weight gain, FCR, PER and PPV data reflected significant differences (P<0.05) among treatments. Except for reduced growth performance in fish fed threonine‐deficient diets, no deficiency signs were noted. Weight gain, FCR, PER and PPV data were also analysed using second‐degree polynomial regression analysis to obtain a more accurate threonine requirement estimate, which was found, using each response variable, to be at 1.70, 1.63, 1.65 and 1.51 g per 100 g of dry diet, corresponding to 4.2, 4.07, 4.12 and 3.77 g per 100 g of dietary protein respectively. Based on the second‐degree polynomial regression analysis of the live weight gain, FCR, PER and PPV data, the optimum dietary level of threonine for fingerling L. rohita was found to be in the range of 1.51–1.70 g per 100 g of the dry diet, corresponding to 3.77–4.2 g per 100 g of dietary protein.     

Dietary isoleucine requirement of fingerling Indian major carp, Labeo rohita (Hamilton)

An 8‐week feeding experiment was conducted to quantify the dietary isoleucine requirement of fingerling Indian major carp, Labeo rohita (3.50 ± 0.04 cm; 0.40 ± 0.02 g) using amino acid test diets (400 g kg⁻¹ crude protein; 17.90 kJ g⁻¹ gross energy) containing casein, gelatin and l ‐crystalline amino acids. Six dietary treatments supplemented with graded levels of isoleucine (7.5, 10.0, 12.5, 15.0, 17.5 and 20.0 g kg⁻¹), in gradations of 2.5 g kg⁻¹ diet, were fed to triplicate groups of fingerlings to apparent satiation divided over two feedings at 07:00 and 17:30 h. Performance of the fish was evaluated on the basis of live weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), protein efficiency ratio (PER), specific growth rate (SGR) and protein productive value (PPV). Statistical analysis of live weight gain, FCR, PER, SGR and PPV reflected significant differences among treatments. Live weight gain and conversion efficiencies were best with isoleucine at 15.0 g kg⁻¹ of diet. Live weight gain, FCR, PER, SGR and PPV data were also analysed using second‐degree polynomial regression analysis to obtain more accurate isoleucine requirement estimate which was found to be at 15.9, 15.3, 15.2, 15.8 and 15.7 g kg⁻¹ of dry diet, corresponding to 39.8, 38.3, 38.0, 39.5 and 39.3 g kg⁻¹ of dietary protein respectively. Based on the quadratic regression analysis of the live weight gain, FCR, PER, SGR and PPV, the optimum level of isoleucine for fingerling L. rohita is in the range of 15.2–15.9 g kg⁻¹ of dry diet, corresponding to 38.0–39.8 g kg⁻¹ of dietary protein. Maximum body protein, minimum moisture and fat were noted at 15.0 g kg⁻¹ of dietary isoleucine while the body ash remained constant among all the treatment levels. No mortality was recorded during the duration of the experiment.     

Nursing duration and pond fertilization level affect polycultures of Indian major carp (rohu Labeo rohita and mrigal Cirrhina mrigala) with monosex Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus

This study investigated the effects of nursing duration on the subsequent performance of rohu (R) Labeo rohita and mrigal (M) Cirrhina mrigala in polyculture with monosex male Nile tilapia (T) Oreochromis niloticus at four levels of pond fertilization. Nile tilapia, rohu and mrigal were stocked at a ratio of 4:1:1 in a 90‐day trial based on 40 20‐m² pens fixed in four 400‐m² earthen ponds. Growth of carp fingerlings during prolonged nursing (5 or 12 months) was stunted compared with fish nursed over a conventional duration of 3 months (3) but showed superior growth subsequently. Mean daily weight gain of stunted rohu (12) ranged from 2.2 to 2.8 g per fish day^?1 compared with 1.1–1.6 g per fish day^?1 for younger fish (3). The comparable ranges for mrigal were 1.9–2.8 and 1.4–2.1 g per fish day^?1. Growth of Nile tilapia was inversely related to duration of carp nursing at the four levels of fertilization. Nile tilapia showed more response to increasing levels of fertilizer input (Y=?1.421+1.716X, where Y is the daily weight gain of Nile tilapia and X is the fertilizer level, r²=0.98, P<0.01, n=12). At a high level of fertilization (3.0 kg N:1.5 kg P ha^?1 day^?1), performance of stunted fingerlings (5 and 12) of both rohu and mrigal was similar (range 2.3–2.8 g per fish day^?1, P>0.05), but younger mrigal (M3) grew faster than rohu (2.1 g per fish day^?1 and 1.6 g per fish day^?1 respectively). Older rohu (12) appeared to perform particularly well, and Nile tilapia poorly at the lowest level of fertilization (1.5 N:0.75 kg P ha^?1 day^?1), suggesting the impact of age of seed on competition within polycultures. The net fish yield (NFY) of tilapia was not affected significantly (P>0.05) by differential stocking age of carps; therefore, combined NFY of the three experimental fish species was not affected by the age of carp, as tilapia was the dominant species in polyculture. The highest combined NFY of all species in the most intensively fertilized pond (3.0 N:1.5 P kg ha^?1 day^?1) was calculated at 4.06±0.08 g·m^?2 day^?1, which was significantly higher (P<0.001) than the yield (1.82±0.12 g·m^?2 day^?1) from the pond with the lowest fertilization. At the highest fertilizer level, tilapia, rohu and mrigal contributed 72%, 14% and 14%, respectively, to the NFY, whereas the ratio was 60%, 20% and 20% at the lowest fertilization level. The study indicated that yields from tilapia in polyculture with the two carp species in more eutrophic water can be optimized if advanced nursing of carps is practised. Moreover, higher inputs of inorganic fertilizer and advanced nursing of carp are economically attractive under Bangladeshi conditions. Advanced nursing of rohu also improves its performance in more extensive systems when tilapia densities are high.     

Arginine and histidine requirements of the Indian major carp, Labeo rohita (Hamilton)

Growth studies were conducted to quantify requirements for the essential amino acids (EAA), arginine and histidine in Labeo rohita (Hamilton). Diets incorporating casein and gelatine, as sources of intact protein, supplemented with crystalline amino acids were formulated to a crude protein content of 400 g kg^?1. Diets with six graded levels of arginine (14.6, 17.0, 19.0, 21.0, 23.0 and 25 g kg^?1) and histidine (3.2, 5.0, 7.0, 9.0, 11.0 and 13.0 g kg^?1) were formulated and fed to triplicate groups of juvenile rohu twice a day up to satiation for 60 days. Dietary requirements for arginine and histidine for rohu, estimated using break point analysis, were 23 and 9 of the diet respectively (57.5 and 22.5 g kg^?1 of dietary protein). Food conversion rate, specific growth rate and survival were better in treatments with diets containing optimum levels of EAA.     

Total sulphur amino acid requirement of the Indian major carp, Labeo rohita (Hamilton)

The quantitative dietary sulphur amino acid requirement of the Indian major carp, Labeo rohita (Hamilton), was determined by conducting a growth study. The experimental diets contained 400 g crude protein kg⁻¹ from casein, gelatine and supplemental crystalline amino acids. Diets containing six graded levels of methionine (3.2, 6.5, 9.0, 11.5, 14 and 16.5 g kg⁻¹) with a constant level of cystine (1.4 g kg⁻¹) were formulated and fed to triplicate groups of Labeo rohita fingerlings twice a day to satiation for 60 days. The optimum dietary requirement for methionine was estimated using the break-point regression analysis at 11.5 g kg⁻¹ of diet or 28.8 g kg⁻¹ of dietary protein. Thus the total sulphur amino acid (Met + Cys) requirement was determined to be 12.9 g kg⁻¹ of diet or 32.3 g kg⁻¹ of protein. Higher survival, specific growth rate and food conversion efficiency values were observed for fish fed the diet containing optimum levels of sulphur amino acids.     

Influence of high dietary α-tocopherol intakes on specific immune response, nonspecific resistance factors and disease resistance of healthy and aflatoxin B1-induced immunocompromised Indian major carp, Labeo rohita (Hamilton)

The effect of aflatoxin treatment and/or feeding of a high level of α‐tocopherol on immune response and disease resistance was investigated in Indian major carp, Labeo rohita. Group A served as a healthy control, group B was treated with aflatoxin, group C was fed a high level of α‐tocopherol whereas group D was exposed both to aflatoxin and a high level of dietary α‐tocopherol for 60 days. Aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) was injected once intraperitoneally into fish on the first day of the experiment (groups B & D). High levels of DL‐α‐tocopherol (1000 mg kg^–1 feed) were provided to healthy as well as AFB₁‐treated immunocompromised fish for 60 days (groups C & D). At the end of the experiment blood samples were assayed for changes in nonspecific immunity and humoral protein levels. Disease resistance against two common bacterial pathogens viz., Aeromonas hydrophila and Edwardsiella tarda were evaluated in all groups. Significant (P < 0.05) suppression of specific immunity as measured through haemagglutination (HA) titre against sheep red blood cells (SRBCs) as well as bacterial (formalin‐killed E. tarda) agglutination titre; nonspecific resistance factors viz., globulin level, serum bactericidal and lysozyme activities, neutrophil activities, and disease resistance against two bacterial pathogens only in aflatoxin‐treated fish with respect to the control group, clearly indicated the immunosuppressive nature of aflatoxin. Feeding of a high level of α‐tocopherol to AFB₁‐treated immunocompromised fish significantly (P < 0.05) raised specific immunity, nonspecific resistance factors and disease resistance capacity when compared with aflatoxin‐exposed fish. Disease resistance and enhancement of immune status through feeding of high levels of α‐tocopherol to healthy as well as AFB₁‐treated immunocompromised fish confirmed the potential of α‐tocopherol in carp feed for prevention of disease and for combating natural/environmental immunosuppressants.     

Effect of soybean-meal-based diets on the growth and survival rate of the Indian major carp, Cirrhinus mrigala (Ham.)

The effect of varying dietary levels of defatted soybean meal on the growth and survival of mrigal, Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton) was investigated. In a feeding trial of 90 days, three experimental diets containing soybean meal at 200, 300 and 400 g kg^?1 level of incorporation were fed to quadruplicate groups of 10 fish each. The conventional feed used in India, consisting of a mixture of groundnut oil cake and rice bran in 1 : 1 ratio served as the control. Best growth in terms of percentage weight gain, specific growth rate, protein efficiency ratio (PER), feed conversion ratio and survival rate was obtained for the test diet with 354 g kg^?1 crude protein and with 400 g kg^?1 soybean meal inclusion level. However, no statistical significant difference was observed between the three soybean‐based diets, except for PER and survival rate. Soybean meal is an easily available, acceptable and cost‐effective protein source in formulated feeds for Indian major carps. The results of the present study indicate that a diet of 350 g kg^?1 overall protein with soybean meal included at 400 g kg^?1 can elicit good growth response and survival in mrigal.     

Autoregressive technique in length growth modelling of two Indian major carp, Catla catla (Hamilton) and Labeo rohita (Hamilton), reared under two holding conditions

An autoregressive analysis was performed on data from an investigation of the velocity and acceleration of the day-to-day length increments of two Indian major carp, Catla catla (Hamilton) and Labeo rohita (Hamilton), hatched in artificial (Chinese-style hatchery) and semi-natural (improvised pits) holding conditions. The autoregressive model, which was capable of providing short- and long-term predictions, was tested in parallel with a time regressive model and an instantaneous growth rate model. The estimate simulating short-term predictions was found to describe the data more efficiently than the other estimates of the models. Product-moment correlations comparing the two holding systems revealed no source-specific variation of growth between the species. However, the significant length velocity correlation suggests that the artificial system has greater efficacy.