Dietary shatavari, Asparagous racemosus root extract promotes growth, feed conversion and nutrient utilization in Labeo rajasthanicus

Abstract

Aim: The objective of the study was to assess the effect of supplementation with dietary shatavari, Asparagous racemosus root extract on growth, feed conversion and nutrient utilization in Labeo rajasthanicus. Methodology: Two-hundred-seventy fingerlings of equal size (8.19±0.03g) were stocked in 18 fibre reinforced plastic tanks following complete randomized design. Six iso-nitrogenous (30% crude protein) and iso-caloric (390 kcal digestible energy per 100 g) diets were prepared with graded level of ethanolic shatavari root extract, i.e., 0.00, 0.15, 0.30, 0.45, 0.60, 0.75 g kg-1 and designated as control, T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 were fed to L. rajasthanicus twice a day for 45 days. The growth performance, feed conversion and nutrient utilisation were considered as response parameters. Results: Significantly (P<0.05) higher growth performance (weight gain %, specific growth rate, net yield and mean daily weight gain percentage) and better feed conversion and nutrient utilization (protein efficiency ratio and lipid efficiency ratio) were observed in T1 group than in other experimental groups. Interpretation: Based on these findings, it can be concluded that ethanolic extract of shatavari root can be used as a growth promoter and can be included at the supplementation level of 0.15 g kg-1 diet for Labeo rajasthanicus.