Journal of Environmental Biology

Optimization of dietary carbohydrate requirement of rohu fingerlings cultured in recirculatory aquaculture system

S. Swamy¹, A.D. Deo¹*, M. Jayant¹, N. Shamna¹, N.P. Sahu¹, K.D. Rasal³, M. Dhanalakshmi² and B.R. Prashanth¹     

¹Fish Nutrition, Biochemistry and Physiology Division, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai-400 061, India

²Fisheries Resource Harvest and Post-Harvest Management Division, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai-400 061, India

³Fish Genetics and Biotechnology Division, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai-400 061, India

Received: 13 May 2025                   Revised: 07 October 2025                   Accepted: 05 January 2026

*Corresponding Author Email : ashutosh.cife19@rediffmail.com                   *ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9341-2084

Abstract

Aim: To optimize the dietary carbohydrate requirement of rohu fingerlings cultured in recirculatory aquaculture system.

Methodology: Rohu fingerlings (n=120; weighing 9.23 ± 0.10 g) were distributed across four treatment groups, each fed with varying levels of dietary carbohydrates: 370g (C37), 400g (C40), 430g (C43), and 460g (C46) per kg diet. At the end of the sampling period, the total fish biomass from each unit was measured to determine the growth performance and feed consumption. Additionally, fish were dissected to collect gill, liver and intestinal tissues to analyze digestive and metabolic enzymes and gene expression.

Results: Fish fed a diet containing 460 g of carbohydrate per kg (C46) showed significant improvement in the growth performance. Additionally, the C46 group demonstrated elevated digestive and metabolic enzyme activities, and a gene expression study, indicating more efficient nutrient digestion and uptake.

Interpretation: The dietary carbohydrate requirement for rohu fingerling in RAS has been optimized at 460g kg-1 for better nutrient utility and growth.

Key words: Carbohydrate utilization, Gene expression, Growth performance, Labeo rohita, Recirculatory aquaculture system

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