Gum Karaya: A Potential Supplement Fish Meal (SFM) For Enhancing Growth And Health In Labeo Rohita (Rohu Fish)

Abstract

Gum Karaya, is a natural plant-derived polysaccharide used as a mixed blend supplementary fish meal (SFM) in 7 different concentration (1%-7%) with the natural fish meal to enhance the growth and health of Labeo rohita (Rohu fish). At the end of the feeding period (21 days) growth performance, body composition, hematological and biochemical parameters of rohu fish were evaluated. The findings reveal a remarkable dose-dependent enhancement in growth performance, exemplified by specific growth rate (SGR), Relative Growth Rate (RGR), and daily weight gain, concomitant with a reduction in feed conversion ratio (FCR). Optimal growth, with a peak RGR of 34.05%, is observed at 5% Gum Karaya supplementation. Fish fed with 5% Gum Karaya exhibited the highest SGR, indicating an optimal supplementation level for maximum growth. Hematological assessments demonstrate a positive dose-dependent response in red blood cell count (RBC), white blood cell count (WBC), and hemoglobin (Hb) levels, which indicate stimulation of immune responses. Moreover, Gum Karaya supplementation led to favorable alterations in the biochemical constituents of fish muscles, including an increase in protein content and a decrease in lipid content. KSFM modulates various physiochemical parameters, including glucose, total protein, cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels, suggesting enhanced metabolic health. While biological health indices, such as the Gonadosomatic Index (GSI), show promise for improving reproductive health, Hepatosomatic Index (HSI) and Spleenosomatic Index (SSI) exhibit minor variations.

This experiment is first time report on the multifaceted benefits of Gum Karaya in enhancing the physiological and metabolic aspects of Labeo rohita, with significant implications for aquaculture practices and selective breeding strategies