Effect of dietary supplementation of garlic powder and shrimp shell powder on growth performance, feed utilization, survival and coloration of platy fish (Xiphophorus sp.)

Abstract

A six-week feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effects of three experimental feeds on growth performance and feed utilization, survival and coloration of platy fish, Xiphophorus sp. The Prima diet was used as the control diet (CD) with no additives and two experimental diets were prepared by supplimenting 5% shrimp shell powder (SD) and 5% garlic powder into a base prima diet (GD). Triplicate groups of platy fingerlings (0.34 ± 0.01 g, 2.25 ± 0.12 cm) were stocked in nine glass aquaria (60 × 30 × 40 cm³), at a density of ten fish per tank. Fish were fed ad libitum twice daily and growth performance (total length, total weight, weight gain%, length gain%, average daily gain%, specific growth rate%), feed utilization ratio (FCR) and coloration level (total carotenoid content) were evaluated. Fish fed the diet supplemented with shrimp shell powder (SD) exhibited significantly higher (p<0.05) growth performance, including final body weight (0.84±0.10g), total length (3.28 ±0.06cm), specific growth rate (2.39 ±0.04%) and average daily gain (3.49±0.7%) compared to those fed the CD or GD. Survival rate did not differ significantly (p>0.05) among treatments. Hepatosomatic Index (HSI) and Gonadosomatic Index (GSI) were significantly higher (p<0.05) in SD treatment. Skin and caudal fin carotenoid content was highest in the SD group (4.01 ± 0.12 mg/kg), followed by the GD (3.58 ± 0.13 mg/kg) and CD (3.14 ± 0.06 mg/kg) groups. The results indicate that dietary supplementation with 5% shrimp shell powder significantly enhances growth and coloration in platy fish. Therefore, shrimp shell powder has potential as a valuable additive in fish diets for both growth promotion and color enhancement, benefiting the ornamental and food fish industries.