Improvement in Mineral Digestibility and Whole Body Composition of Catla catla Fingerlings Fed Phytase Supplemented MOSM Based Diet

Moringa oleifera seed meal (MOSM) was used as test ingredient to formulate six test diets and were supplemented with graded levels (0, 300, 600, 900, 1200 and 1500 FTU kg(-1)) of phytase. The fingerlings were fed at the rate of 4% of live fish body weight twice a day and faeces were collected from each tank. Present research work was carried out to determine the effect of phytase supplementation on mineral digestibility and carcass composition of Catla catla fingerlings fed MOSM based diets. Phytate in plant by-products decreases the bioavailability of minerals and deposition of nutrients in fish body, resulting in poor fish growth. Results demonstrated that phytase supplementation showed significant (p<0.05) improvement in ADC% of minerals and carcass composition of fish. Maximum digestibility of minerals and improved carcass composition of C. catla fingerlings was noted at 900 FTU kg(-1) level of phytase supplemented MOSM based test diet. It was further noted that phytase supplementation decreases the discharge of minerals through faeces resulting in reduced aquatic pollution. It was concluded that phytase supplementation at 900 FTU kg(-1) level was helpful to develop an eco-friendly and cost effective fish feed by using MOSM based diet.