Abstract:
Formulation of low cost aqua feed is vital in Aquaculture and this study was
focused to investigate the possibilities of utilization of Ipomea aquatica and
Hydrilla vercillata in the feed of Catla catla fry to cut down the feed cost. Three
experimental feeds (Tl, T2, T3) and a commercial feed (control) were used in this
experiment. Catla catla fry were stocked in mud ponds and fed at a rate of 5% of
the body weight. Feed consumption, total body length and weight were recorded
weekly. Data were analyzed by SAS computer software and subsequently means
were compared. Results^revealed that, specific growth* rates were significantly
different (p<0.05) in Tl and T2 with compared to T3 and T4 and the highest FCR
was recorded in fish fed with T l. The study revealed that the feeds with locally
available ingredients (T3) were the best and two aquatic plants incorporated feeds
(Tl and T2) were also considerably better. According to the cost benefit analysis,
the most profitable feed type was T l. It can be concluded that, there is a potential in
using discarded dried fishmeal, Ipomea aquatica and Hydrilla vercillata in aqua
feeds for fry stage of Catla catla.
