PHYTASE AND CITRIC ACID SUPPLEMENTATIONS IN SOYBEAN MEAL BASED DIET IMPROVES THE SCALE MINERALIZATION IN LABEO ROHITA JUVENILES.

Present research work was conducted at Fish Nutrition Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Wildlife and Fisheries. University of Agriculture, Faisalabad Pakistan during the year 2013 to investigate the effect of phytase and citric acid on scale mineralization in Rohu, Labeo rohita juveniles fed on soybean meal based diet. Three levels of each of phytase (0, 750 and 1000 FTU/kg) and citric acid (0, 1.5 and 3%) were supplemented in 33 factorial arrangement under CRD resulting in the formulation of nine experimental diets. Results indicated improved (P<0.05) contents of P, Ca, Mg, Na, K, Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn in scales of juveniles in response to phytase supplementation. Similarly, improved (P<0.05) deposition of these minerals was also recorded in juveniles having citric acid supplemented diet. However, a significant interaction among both the supplements (phytase and citric acid) was only observed for P and Ca deposition. In conclusion, phytase and citric acid supplementations in soybean meal based diet enhanced the bioavailability of minerals to L. rohita juveniles, resulting in improved scales mineralization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]