Effect of Mixed Zooplankton (Daphnia/Moina) on the Growth Performance and Survival of Hemigrammus caudovitatus (Albino Buenos Aires Tetra)

Abstract

A sixty (60) day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate effect of mixed Zooplankton (Daphnia/Moina) on the growth performance and survival of Hemigrammus caudovitatus (Albino buenos aires tetra). The culture was carried using four different locally available nutrient sources viz, yeast, Mustard Oil Cake, cow dung and poultry manure. Proximate analysis was carried out for the mixed zooplankton cultured on different media. The highest zooplankton density was observed in tanks with chicken manure (3266.50±6.85 individuals/litre on day 21), followed by cow dung (2203.5±1.29 individuals/litre), Mustard Oil Cake (1481.5±4.20 individuals/litre), and yeast (1110±3.55 individuals/litre). Protein analysis showed the highest crude protein content in zooplankton fed with poultry manure (55.76±0.19%) and lowest protein content was observed in zooplankton fed with yeast (47.41±0.23%). Highest lipid content was observed in zooplankton fed with yeast (7.84±0.) group, while as the lowest lipid content was observed in the zooplankton fed with Mustard Oil Cake (6.36±0.15). Highest ash content was observed in zooplankton fed with Cow Dung  (15.57±0.29) group, while as the lowest ash content was observed in the zooplankton fed with Mustard Oil Cake (7.44±0.28). Fish fed on these zooplankton exhibited the highest weight gain (86.6±0.8 mg) and survival rate (92.5±1.29%). Nutrient source significantly influenced zooplankton growth and composition, with poultry manure proving to be the most effective, leading to better growth and survival of Hemigrammus caudovitatus.