Effect of Duckweed-Based Aquafeeds on Feed Digestibility and Growth Performance of Gibelion catla

Abstract

The present study was conducted to find viable and economic ingredients for fish feed by evaluating the effect of partial fish meal replacement with duckweed ( Lemna minor ) in Gibelion catla feed. Four different isonitrogenous feeds (with 0, 10, 20 and 30% replacement of fish meal with) were prepared and fed to juvenile catla for 60 days at the rate of 5% fish biomass. No significant difference ( P >0.05) in fish growth parameters and feed efficiency was observed among the treatments. There was no significant difference in apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC) of dry matter among treatments. Feed ADC (protein) with duckweed at 30% inclusion level was significantly lower ( P <0.05) compared to the other treatments. There was no significant difference in muscle composition of fish reared under the four treatments. Results of the present study showed that duckweed can be used to replace up to 20% of fish meal in feed of catla without any negative effect on fish growth or feed digestibility.