Effects of Lapsi (Choerospondias axillaris Roxburg) on Survival, Growth Performance and Protein Profile of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus Linnaeus, 1758) Cultured under Laboratory Conditions

Abstract

This research was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of Lapsi Choerospondias axillaris on survival, growth performance and protein profile of Nile Tilapia Oreochromis niloticus cultured under laboratory conditions. A number of 252 fish of size 2.7±0.17 cm and 0.284±0.37 g were stocked into four rectangular glass aquaria with replicate forms. Fish were fed with diet containing different composition of LFPP; 0 mg/Kg (T1), 100 mg/Kg (T2), 200 mg/Kg (T3) and 400 mg/Kg (T4) for 10 weeks. The results showed statistically significant (P<0.05) increased mean final length, mean weight gain and specific growth rate (SGR) of Nile Tilapia in all groups fed with LFPP in comparison to control diet (T1). An inverse relation was found between FCR and the dose of LFPP contained in the diets. The FCR was found to be lowest in the fish fed with diet T3 as compared to others. It was also observed that fish fed with LFPP exhibited significant increase in total protein and globulin in the liver which may be considered as a sign of improvement in immune system. It may be due to presence of vitamin C in LFPP which act as an antioxidant. The high survival rate in the fish may be due to enhancement in the immune system. From the result obtained, it can be concluded that 200 mg/Kg of LFPP is the optimal amount needed to be supplemented for maximum growth and other dietary performance but, supplementation of more than 200 mg/Kg of LFPP in the diet improves the immune system of Nile Tilapia.