TITLE:THE COMPARISON OF THREE COMMERCIAL FEED ON THE GROWTH OF

Catla catla

1 : INTRODUCTION

1 ) Statement of Topic and Aims

Catla catla is an important Indian major carp. It has got importance both in culture
and capture fisheries. Naturally this species is found in river, reservoir, lake, boar and in
cultured ponds. Catla is basically a zooplankton feeder and lives in upper water layer . With the
increasing demand for food fish and the decline in capture fisheries production, aquaculture is·
heading towards intensification. This shift from low density to high density culture i.e traditional
to semi-intensive or intensive culture is consequently leading to an unprecedented rise in the
demand for feeds. Farmers shift gradually from no feed, through the use of farm-made feeds, to
factory made feeds. The success of intensive and semi-intensive fish culture depends to a large
extent on the application of suitable feeds.
Fish feeds provide nutrients for optimum fish growth and bring higher economic return to
farmers. Fish production as high as 3,700- 4,500 kg/ha could be obtained by using semi-intensive
polycultue in ponds with supplementary feeding. Effect of different levels of protein, fat and
carbohydrate on growth, feed utilization and body carcass composition of fingerlings in Catla
was investigated . They found significant weight gain in the fish due to influence of three major
nutrients (25% to 35% protein, 4% to 12 % lipid and 15% to 35% carbohydrate). Protein sparing
was observed with carbohydrate but not with lipid . However, found negative relationship
among dietary carbohydrate intake and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Dietary carbohydrate
significantly affected carcass moisture, lipid and gross energy content; while crude protein and
ash remained unaffected. The acceleration in length growth of Catla catla from two rearing
conditions was studied by. In Pakistan, successful composite fish culture system of major and
exotic carps has been introduced . Fish production can be increased up to 5,000kg/ha by feeding
and fertilization. Optimum fertilization rate is amount of organic matter that can be cost
effectively and utilized in a pond ecosystem without having harmful effect on water quality as
well as on fish growth .

Supplementary feeding plays an important role in intensive and semi-intensive fish culture
system. It also offers best means of fish production within shortest possible time in ponds. The
use of supplementary feed in carp culture has become inevitable for the success of fish culture
(Shahzadi et al., 2006) [7]. Fish feed and feeding is an important component of aquaculture as
feed account for approximately sixty percent of the variable production cost in intensive
aquaculture systems in Nigeria. Feeding is an important life function which involves hunting,
processing and evaluation of food materials (Kasumyan and Doving, 2003)[9]. Optimal feeding
scheme enhance growth, pond water quality, survival, size uniformity, help in minimizing
wastage and eventually upsurge production (Dwyer et al., 2002[10]; Isyagi et al., 2009[11]). The
quality of the feed can influence its intake by the fed fish and management of water quality
variables (Thorpe and Cho, 1995[12]; Talbot et al.,1999[13]; White, 2013[14]). Feed intake by
fish is often reported both as an amount (g fish-1) and rate (g fish-1 day). However, accurate
assessment of feed intake by fish is one of the most difficult aspects of aquaculture nutrition
research (Glencross et al., 2007[15]). Fish production in a water body is largely dependent upon
the basic fertility of the water body and the supply of supplementary feeds. The intensive fish
culture depends to a large extent on supplementary feeding (Balarin and Haller, 1982)[16]. The
production of fish in our country is very low compared to other countries of the world due to lack
of technical knowledge and proper management practices. Feed formulation protocol demands
amalgamation of different ingredients from wide variety of sources to achieve feed with desired
qualities (Khan et al., 2004)[17].
Feed costs _generally constitute the highest single operation cost of semi-intensive or intensive
culture. It is essential that the feed provides maximum production efficiency at a minimum cost.
The relative importance of growth rate and feed conversion efficiency will depend upon the
quality and cost of feed in relation to the market value of the farmed product. The unit cost of
various types of feed and cost of fish production using each of this feed as well as the unit
profitability of each system of fish production must be compared before one type of feed is
selected. It is therefore of great importance to the fish farmers to utilize their investments in feed
as optimal as possible.

1.2) Study Background

Catla is endemic to the riverine system in northern india. Indus plain and adjoining hills of
Pakistan , Bangladesh , Nepal and Myanmar ,and has been introduced later into almost all
riverine system , reservoirs and tanks all over India. As the species breeds in the riverine
ecosystem, its ready seed availability has helped in establishing its aquaculture in the peripheral
region of the riverine system in these countries. The use of catla as a component in pond culture
was a traditional practice in the eastern Indian states , spreading to all other Indian states only
during the second half of the 20th century. Its higher growth and compatibility with other major
carps, specific surface feeding habit and consumer preference have increased its popularity in
carp polyculture systems among the fish farmers in India, Bangladesh ,Myanmar ,Laos, Pakistan
and Thailand. The collection of riverine seed was the only source for culture until the 1950s.
Success in the induced breeding of the species in 1957 assured subsequent seed supply thus
revolutionising this form of polyculture in India and other south-east Asian countries. The
species has been introduced elsewhere, including Sri Lanka ,Israel, Japan, and Mauritius. At
present ,catla forms an integral component species ,both in three polyculture with rohu (Labeo
rohita) and mrigal (Cirrhinus mrigala), and six - species composite carp culture which adds
common carp (Cyprinus carpio), grass carp (Ctenpharyngodon idellus) and siver
(Hypophalmichthys molitrix ) to the species mix.

For the past several years, one of the main directions in improving fish feeds has been the search
for protein source alternatives to fish meal and determining their nutritional suitability in diets
(Watanabe T,2002 [18].This trend is, firstly, a response to growing demands for formulated
diets, and secondly, a response to limited resources of fish meal that will soon hit the upper
threshold of exploitation. Additionally, according to Hardy (R.W. 2008) [19] one of methods to
develop less expensive and effective formulations is lowering fish meal levels in diets. The total
replacement of fish meal with soybean protein was successful only in a few cases (Kaushik et al.
2004 )[20] . Indian major carp (Catla catla) for aquaculture candidate species. Indian major carp,
Catla catla, is a valuable herbivorous food fish in India. Polyculture of Indian major carps (IMC)
viz: Rohu (Labeo rohita), Catla (Catla catla) and Mrigala (Cirrhinus mrigala) is mainly
dependent on plant-based agroby-products. All three species of IMC (Rohu, Catla and
cellulolytic activity in Rohu (L.abeo rohita).
.
The nutrients that should be included in fish feeds include:
There Fish need to be provided enough nutritious food in order to attain big sizes in a short
period of time under culture conditions. The nutritional needs of the cultured fish species
are two main types of fish feeds. (a) Natural food ( b)Artificial feeds. Natural food can be
stimulated to develop in a pond through pond fertilization. A fertilized pond will have tiny plants
(phytoplankton) and animals (zooplankton ).Artificial feeds are those feeds prepared and given
to fish . The nutrients in these feeds balnced to meet the nutritional needs of the cultured fish
species. The nutrients included in fish feeds include protein for body building , fat for normal
functioning of the body and for energy , carbohydrate for energy , mineral salts for bone
structure and body functions, vitamins for good health. Artficial feeds are of two types farm
made feeds and factory made feeds.
Prepared or artificial diets may be either complete or supplemental. Complete diets supply all
the ingredients necessary for the optimal growth and health of the fish. In contrast, supplemental
diets are intended only to help support the natural food normally available to fish in ponds
(Stickney, 1979)[21]. Even when the natural feed forms the main source of nutrition,
supplemental feeding with artificial feed is necessary to obtain increased production in ponds
(Sinha, 1979; Wee, 1988, 1999)[22]. Supplementary feeding plays an important role in
intensive and semi-intensive fish culture. It also offers the best means of fish production within
shortest possible time in ponds. Supplementary feeding increases the carrying capacity of culture
systems and can enhance fish production by manifold (Hepher, 1975; Devaraj et al., 1986)[23].
Commercial fish diets are manufactured as either floating or sinking feeds. Both floating and
sinking feeds can produce satisfactory growth, but some fish species prefer floating feed and
others sinking feed. Most fish species can be trained to accept floating pellets (Albert and Tacon,
1990)[24]. Most of supplementary feed in sinking pelleted form goes waste as it sinks to bottom
and fish can not consume it. Although floating feeds are more expensive, usually, it is
advantageous to feed floating feed, because fish can consume it from the surface or column of
water and the farmer can directly observe the feeding requirements of fish and adjust feeding
rates accordingly. Determining whether feeding rates are too low or too high is important in
maximizing fish growth and feed use efficiency. Since feeds cost is one of the highest recurring
cost in intensive and semi intensive aquaculture.

Supplementary feed is required when the natural feed becomes scare, energy becomes limiting
not protein. Since the feed costs vary between 40 to 60% of the total managerial expenditure in
fresh water fish culture system, provision of artificial feed increases the fish growth and
production in the fertilized ponds and results in higher growth rates and yields than fertilization
alone (Diana et al., 1994)[25]. Supplemental diets do not contain a full complement of vitamins
or minerals, but are used to help fortify the naturally available diet with extra protein,
carbohydrate and/or lipid.

1.3)Aims and Objectives

1. To determine the effects of commercial feed on the growth of Catla catla.
2. To identify the feed performances on the growth of Catla catla.
3.To identify the composition of commercial feed.
4. To determine FCR of Catla catla fish.

2.Material and Method

2.1)Duration of study
The experiment will be performed for the period of 90 days to determine the effects of three
commercial feeds on the growth of Catla catla .
2.2)Study area
The experimental research will be carried out in the Fish nutrition Laboratory ,Department of
Zoology and Fishries University of Lahore Pakistan.
2.3)Aquaria
The experiment will be conducted in Twelve glass aquaria in the Fish Nutrition Laboratory
Department of Zoology University of Lahore Pakistan. The working dimension of each aquarium
will be 37x29x45cm. At least 15 fishes will be stocked in each glass aquarium. Each aquarium
will be filled with water up to level of 30 cm and this level will be maintained throughout the
experimental period of six weeks.
2.4)Experimental Fish
The experimental fish will be Catla catla . Catla is known as Labeo Catla .It is also known as
major indian carp. Local name of Catla catla is Thaila in Pakistan.ss
Catla catla is fresh water teleost belonging to the family Cyprinide and is high-quality flesh
together with its good taste made it a high-priced fish in the local market in Pakistan.
The fingerlings of Catla catla will be purchased from the Government Fish Seed Hatchery
Muzaffar Garh Pakistan. Fingerlings of Catla catla will be brought out in the polythene bags.
2.5) Experimental conditions
The fingerlings will be kept in each glass aquarium for two weeks for acclimatization. Before the
start of feeding trial , Catla catla fingerlings will be treated with Nacl (5g /L) to make sure that
the fingerlings are free from ecto -parasite and prevent from fungal infections. During this period
the fingerlings will be fed on rice polishing.
2.6)Experimental Feed and their ingredients
The experimental feed will be three commercial feed and other one will be control feed as a
conventional feed. Control feed as T0, Crystal Fish feed as T1, Quality Fish feed as T2, Faisal
Fish feed as T3. Quality Fish feeds contains ingredients protein 26%, Fiber 6%, Energy 29.6%
,oil fat 95%.
2.7) Methods of Feeding
The fingerlings of Catla catla will be fed three commercial feed and other one control feed(guar)
as conventional feed at the rate of 4% body weight. These four diets will be divided into four
parts according to 4% body weight. After acclimatization, 15 hybrid fingerlings will be
randomly transferred to each of the six aquaria. The mean initial body weight of fingerlings will
be 5-10 g. The feed will be supplied at the rate of 4% of wet body weight of the fingerlings
throughout the six weeks experimental period. The feed will be administered twice daily
(morning and evening) in two equal portions. The morning feeding will be done at 8:00 am and
the evening feed will be applied at 2:00 pm. Two hours after each feeding, water from the
aquaria will be removed and the unconsumed feed from each aquarium will be collected in
separate petri dishes. Each aquarium will be filled with water again immediately after the
removal of unconsumed feed. The feed so collected will be dried in an oven and weighed. The
fingerlings were taken from each replicate on weekly basis after removing water from the
aquarium.

2.8)Measurement of Sampling Fish

Catla catla fish in each aquarium will be weighed after every week to check their growth
(weight, length ,quality and FCR ) performances. An electronic digital balance will be used to
their respective aquarium. Before weighing two days the feed will be stopped in each aquarium.
2.9)Water quality parameters
Water quality parameters such as water temperature, PH, salinity and dissolved oxygen . These
parameters will be monitored on daily basis. Aeration will be provided to all six aquaria through
capillary system.PH will be monitored through PH meter and Dissolved oxygen will be
monitored through DO meter on daily basis. Catla fish is eurythermal which grow very well at
water temperature between 25C to 32C. The minimum tolerance temperature limit for Catla
catla fish is 14 C. PH range will be maximum 5.6-7.3.
2.10) Measurement of growth Parameters
The morphometric characteristics i.e. body weight and total length will be recorded to observe
their growth performance. The fingerlings were released in water immediately after body
measurements. The feed will be stopped a day before the weight was recorded. The mean weight
of fingerlings in each aquarium will be calculated to work out the feeding rate for the next week.
The FCR was calculated as follows:
FCR = F/ (Wf-W0), where
F is the weight of food consumed by fish during the period.
w0 is the live weight of fish at the beginning of the study period.
wf is the live weight
Growth of Catla catla will be measuerd in length (cm) and weight (g) after every seven days
interval. The following parameters will used to evaluate the growth of fingerlings of Catla catla.
1. Length gain (cm)= Mean final length-Mean initial length
2. Weight gain (g)= Mean final weight -Mean initial weight
2.11)Statistical analysis
The data on body weight , total length and feed conversion ratio were subjected to statistical
analysis of variance technique. The differences of means will be compared by Duncan's Multiple
Range test (Steel et al,1996). A computerized programme varience analysis (ANOVA) MSTATS
will be used for statistical analysis of data.