Effect of feed cycling on specific growth rate, condition factor and RNA/DNA ratio of Labeo rohita

Abstract

A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of feed cycling on specific growth rate, condition factor and RNA/DNA ratio of Labeo rohita. Fingerling L. rohita were randomly collected from Qadria Fish Farm and Hatchery, Multan, Pakistan and divided into control, 5 days and 10 days feed cycling groups. Specific growth rate (% g day-1), body composition, condition factor, and RNA/DNA ratio of individual fish and of each group were calculated. There was a highly significant (P<0.001) effect of feed cycling on specific growth rate and RNA/DNA ratio of L. rohita. However, the effect on condition factor was non-significant. A gradual decline was observed in specific growth rate and RNA/DNA ratio with increasing length of starvation. L. rohita was able to maintain its main body constituents such as fat, protein, organic and inorganic contents indicating a compensatory growth, which was independent of duration of starvation