Pantnagar Journal of Research

Abstract

The present study was conducted to understand the effect of Ficus racemosa (gular) as a feed additive on the Indian major carps IMCs Labeo catla, Labeo rohita and Cirrhinus mrigala) fingerlings growth and blood parameters. The experimental feed was prepared with different concentrations of Ficus racemosa per kg Feed i.e., 0 (C0), 100g (G1), 200g (G2) and 300g (G3) per Kg feed. Fingerlings of IMCs were maintained in four different groups (n=60) for 90 days to conduct the experiment. All three species groups showed good condition factor (K) >1 and the specific growth rate was significantly greater (p<0.05) in the G3 group of all three species than in other groups (C0, G1 and G2). Haemoglobin and haematocrit values showed a linear increasing trend with the increase in the concentration of gular in feed for all the IMCs. The other blood parameters like TEC, TLC, and MCHC showed higher values in groups fed in G3 feed except for MCH. From the present study, it could be concluded that Ficus racemosa could be a great option as a feed additive that promotes the growth of Indian major carps, which will help to increase aquaculture production.