Use of Ipomea aquatica and Hydrilla vercillata as A Feed for Cattla catla

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.