Nutrient fingerlings fed citric acid acidified phytase sprayed diet digestibility in labeo rohita

A factorial experiment under completely randomized design was conducted by using citric acid (CA) supplementation (3 levels) and phytase (PHY) supplementation (3 levels) as the main effects. CA was supplemented at 0, 1.5 and 3% and PHY was added at 0, 750 and 1000 FTU/kg diet in a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement. All the nine test diets were contained 37.6% crude protein and 4.72 kcal/g gross energy. Results showed improved (p<0.05) dry matter, crude protein, crude fat and gross energy digestibility by fingerlings when fed PHY sprayed diet. Similarly, CA addition in the diet resulted in increased (p<0.05) digestibility of these nutrients. Also, the minerals digestibility was significantly (p<0.05) affected by top spraying of phytase on the diet pellets. Fish having CA acidified diet also showed improved (p<0.05) minerals digestibility performance. Interaction plots showed synergistic effect of both the supplements for crude fat and gross energy digestibility. Again, interaction data showed synergistic effect on minerals digestibility except Fe. Inclusion of both the supplements independently and in combination in the diet resulted in less nutrient contents in fish feces. In conclusion, addition of CA and PHY in the Labeo rohita diet may improve the nutrient digestibility which may lead to improved growth performance and less pollution in the water bodies. (author)