Vol. 12, Issue 6 (2023)

Author(s):
Faiqa Syeed Farooqi, Farooz Ahmad Bhat, Tasaduq Hussain Shah, Oyas Asimi, Bilal Ahmad Bhat, Adnan Abubakr and Anayatullah Chesti

Abstract:
This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Beta vulgaris on growth and blood physiology of common carp (Cyprinus carpio). The fish with an initial average weight of 50 ± 06g were divided into four groups (Three treatments and a control); and fed daily with the plant-based diet for an eight-week period. Each treatment was tested in three replicates and the fish were hand fed twice a day. The results show that incorporating Beta vulgaris in the diet of common carp significantly increased (p<0.05) the final weight, weight gain ratio, and specific growth rate as compared to the control group, but significantly decreased (p<0.05) the feed conversion ratio. The treated groups had significantly higher red blood cell count, white blood cell count, haematocrit (Hct), haemoglobin (Hb) values as compared to the control. It was also observed that feeding the fish with supplemented diets markedly increased total protein, albumin, and globulin values; but decreased the glucose value in the treated groups. However, triglyceride, cholesterol and urea values did not vary significantly among the various treatments. From the study, it may be concluded that dietary Beta vulgaris improves growth and blood physiological parameters in common carp and is consequently recommended as a feed additive in its diet.