Use of purslane (Portulacasp.) extract as a potential feed additive on growth parameter and skin pigmentation for blue streak hap,Labidochromis caeruleus(Fryer, 1956)

Abstract

Purslane (Portulaca sp.) is a widely available succulent which could be used as an additive in fish feed owing to its nutritious nature and rich pigment content. In the present study, the effects of inclusion of purslane extract in fish feed was investigated on growth and pigmentation of blue streak hap (Labidochromis caeruleus Fryer, 1956). Fish were fed on diets containing 0 (control/T0), 3 (T3), 6 (T6) and 9 g kg−1 (T9) of purslane extract for 60 days. Positive results in terms of weight gain (0.51 g), specific growth rate (1.23%.day−1) and survival rate (83.33%) were observed in the group fed with 9 g kg−1 of purslane extract for 60 days. Furthermore, it was determined that the purslane extract had positive effects on pigmentation of blue streak hap, a prominent ornamental fish. The best coloration was achieved in blue streak hap of group T6, whose Hue (Hab°) angle values varied between 83.61 ± 1.15 and 78.10 ± 1.35. This study is the first to include purslane extract into blue streak hap diets for its effect on growth and pigmentation. Findings from this study clearly demonstrate that using purslane extracts in diet has a positive effect on growth (T9), survival rate (T6, T9) and pigmentation (T6) of blue streak hap.

Reduced protein intake in Procambarus clarkii fed diets containing graded levels of purslane: Effects on growth and quality

“…P. oleracea has been recently studied as a new ingredient in fish and crustacean diets (Martinoli et al, 2021; Şahin et al, 2021), especially for its desirable functional properties related to pigmentation, antistress, and antioxidant effects (Gould et al, 2019; Santiago‐Saenz et al, 2018). Some studies have reported the presence of antinutritional factors, such as oxalic acid, in purslane and other plant ingredients if consumed in large quantities (Gemede & Ratta, 2014; Xiao et al, 2014).…”