Effect of spirulina (Spirulina platensis) and marigold (Tagetes erecta) fortified diets on growth, body composition and total carotenoid content of Barilius bendelisis

Abstract

The effect of Spirulina platensis and Tagetes erecta at different incorporation levels of 0, 3, 5, 7, and 10% were tested on growth, body composition and total carotenoid content in Barilius bendelisis (an endangered upland fish species) for 60 days in triplicate. An overall reduction from 3.29 (control, T 0 ) to 1.57 (7% marigold, T ), 1.49 (5% spirulina, T 6 ) and 1.34 (10% spirulina, T ) in FCR was observed with increase in either spirulina or marigold in the diet. Further, RGR (%) increased from 93.37 (T 8 0 ) to 191.17 (T 3 ), 203.09 (T 6 ) and 224.359 (T ) while SGR (%) from 1.09 (T 0 ) to 1.77 (10% marigold-T 4 ), 1.84 (T 6 ) and 1.96 (T 8 8 ) for both the additives. Crude protein increased from 14.9% (T ) to 16.93% (for both T 6 and T 8 ) while, potassium from 1115 mg 100 -1 g (T 0 ) to 1276 mg 100 -1 ). Proximate and mineral composition of the fish was significantly affected by Spirulina while marigold has less significant impact. On the other hand, total carotenoids were significantly affected by marigold and it improved from 2.09 µg g ) to 4.58 µg g -1 (T ) than the Spirulina, which has less impact on it. B. bendelisis fed on 5% spirulina fortified diet not only improve the growth but also enhanced its total carotenoid content and body composition. However, marigold was found to improve the total carotenoid content of the fish with least significant impact on growth and body composition.