Improved Growth Performance And Mucosal Immunity In Koi Carp Fed On A Diet Enriched With Borassus Flabellifer Sap

Abstract

Koi carps are fascinating ornamental fish known for their vibrant colouration and graceful appearance. Due to their high popularity in the ornamental fish sector, their growth enhancement and mucosal immunity are of great concern. B.flabellifer sap or palm nectar was coated along with the commercial pellet diet at various concentrations, i.e. 2.0%, 5.0%, 10.0% and 15.0% respectively. In parallel, a control diet lacking palm sap was maintained for analysis to test the growth and skin mucosal immune parameters in koi carp reared in indoor culture system. Koi carp fed on the P3 diet showed a maximum weight gain of 1.95 ± 0.02g compared to a low weight gain of 0.654 ± 0.02g noticed in the control diet fed fish. The skin mucosal immune parameters, such as total immunoglobulin, lysozyme activity, bactericidal activity and alkaline phosphatase activity, were remarkably high in the skin mucus of P3 and P4 treated groups compared to control diet-fed fish.