Effect of supplementation of selected plant leaves as growth promoters of Labeo rohita

The aim of the present study was to check the importance of plant based supplemented feed on the growth of fish. Plants are natural products with no chemical additive in it, eco-friendly, cheap and have no deleterious effect on the health of fish. This study was conducted at Fisheries Research and Training Institute, Manawan Lahore to check the effect of plants (Azadirachta indica, Mentha arvensis, Carica papaya, Ricinus communis and Polyalthia longifolia) on growth parameters of Labeo rohita. Four hundred Labeo rohita of size 1 gm were procured from Central Fish Seed Hatchery, Manawan Lahore. The fish were acclimatized for two weeks in order to regulate in laboratory stipulation. Fresh leaves of all plants were collected, washed, and crushed into powder form. A commercially available feed (with 30% protein) at the rate of 3% body weight was used as a basal diet for the experimental fish. Five experimental feeds were prepared by adding 5gm of each plant powder in 95 gm of commercially available feed to make 100 gm of experimental feed. The weight after three month has been noted and the %age increase was high in Azadirachta indica (3.9%) followed by Polyalthia longifolia (3.8%), Ricinus communis (3.6%), Carica papaya (3.2), Mentha arvensis (2.9%) as compared to control (2.7%). SGR was found to be higher in Azadirachta indica (2.3%, 2.6%, 3.2%) after 30, 60 and 90 days. It was concluded that Azadirachta indica was proved to be the best enhancer of growth in fish as it has anti-bacterial properties as well.