Abstract
SUPPLEMENTATION OF PHYTASE AND CITRIC ACID TO SOYBEAN MEAL BASED DIET ENHANCE MUSCLE MINERALIZATION OF ROHU, Labeo rohita, JUVENILES

Present factorial (32 ) experiment was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of phytase and citric acid in improving muscle mineral profile of rohu (Labeo rohita) juveniles fed on soybean meal based diet. Nine experimental diets (T1-T9) were formulated based on three levels of phytase (0, 750 and 1000 FTU/kg) and citric acid (0, 1.5 and 3%). Each experimental diet was supplemented to triplicate of tanks having 15 fish in each tank for 12 weeks. Results showed that phytase supplementation significantly (p<0.05) improved muscle P, Ca, Mg, Na, K, Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn contents. Similar increase in muscle mineralization was also observed as a result of addition of citric acid to fish feed. Improved (p<0.05) muscle mineral profile was also observed in response to phytase and citric acid interaction. In conclusion, citric and phytase are promising supplements to improve muscle mineralization in L. rohita juveniles.