Ontogenic changes of amylase and proteolytic enzyme activities of Indian major carp, Catla catla (Ham.) in relation to natural diet

Abstract

Amylase and proteolytic activities were determined at different stages of ontogenic development of carp, Catla catla in relation to natural diet. Carp larvae were reared under 4 feeding schemes: continuously fed (CF), continuously starved (CS), initially fed for 4 days and then starved (IFS), and initially starved for 4 days and then fed (ISF). Enzyme activities were detected in day-old larvae. Along with ontogenic development of carp larvae enzyme activities also increased. Maximum amylase and proteolytic enzyme activities were obtained in 12 days and 11 days larvae ofCF group. Removal of food atter initial 4 days of feeding resulted in sharp decline of enzyme activities. It can be concluded that during initial feeding of catla larvae digestive enzymes are highly regulated by exogenous feeding of zooplankton.