Aloe barbadensis Effect on Growth Performance and Gastrointestinal Tract of Labeo rohita

Fish is a rich source of nutrients and help to reduce the inadequacy of calcium, vitamin A, iron, protein and cure many diseases. Labeo rohita (Rohu) is commercial species of Pakistan and main food item. The base of this study is to enhance the growth of Labeo rohita under special dietary condition. The aim of this research project was to check the effect of traditional herb Aloe barbadensis on Growth rate, FCR, Survival rate and Gastrointestinal villi histopathology of Labeo rohita fed on different Aloe barbadensis concentration containing diet.

Methodology: Initial stocks of 120 Labeo rohita fingerlings having average weight 14.30 +3.51g were bought from Government Fish Hatchery, Faisalabad. Aloe barbadensis leaf’s powder were prepared ad mixed with different concentration of conventional feed ingredients like such as fish meal, rice polish, corn, wheat bran. Four treatments were designed including a control and Aloe barbadensis incorporated in the fish feed at 0%, 05% and 10%, 15% which were administrated for a period of 180 days. This feeding trial remains continued till 180 days in aquarium. Iso nitrogenous diets having protein level 33±1g.45 but different concentration of Aloe barbadensis were prepared and fed to fingerlings. Ingredients quantity was calculated by using Pearson square method. Conventional feed ingredients i.e. fish meal, rice polish, corn and wheat brane were used in feed in pellet forn. At the end of feeding trial three fish from each aquarium were selected randomly for gastrointestinal analysis. Gastrointestinal Villi parameters like length, width of intestine villi were measured at the end of trail.

Results: According to results, different levels of Aloe barbadensis leave’s powder had significant positive effect upon Growth, Survival rate, and FCR. Results showed that Aloe barbadensis at 15% (T3) resulted in improved growth rate, Survival rate and feed conversion ratio (FCR). The Aloe barbadensis-treated groups showed improvement in intestinal villi length, width and gap between villi. The present study suggests that Aloe barbadensis especially at 15% feed administration may enhance effectively the growth performance and gastrointestinal (villi) parameters like length, width and gap between villi of Labeo rohita.