The effect of experimental starters on morphological changes in the intestine and liver of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) larvae reared under controlled conditions

Abstract

The aim of present study was to evaluate the effects of five experimental starters on the growth rate, survival, development, and morphological changes in the digestive systems of common carp, Cyprinus carpio L., larvae reared under controlled conditions. The starters tested were based on fish hydrolysate and blood meal (diets K, KL, and KLP), fish meal and blood meal (diet KR), and fish meal, blood meal, and fish hydrolysate (diet KHR). Starters KL and KLP were supplemented with intestine lyophilisate obtained from market-sized carp (as a source of digestive enzymes) while a probiotic (mixture of lyophilized lactic acid bacteria) was added to starter KLP. Start-feeding common carp larvae of an average body mass of 2.32 mg and total length (LT) of 6.58 mm were used for the test. The stocking density per tank (volume of 20 dm3) was 100 fish. After 14 days of feeding, the highest average survival (62.9%) was obtained on the KLP diet, while the lowest (11%) was noted on the KR feed. The body total length of carp larvae ranged from 7.83 mm (KR diet) to 8.77 mm (KL diet). In the K, KL, and KLP groups, the final body mass of carp larvae was 48-49 mg, while in the KR and KHR it was 22 mg. Normal digestive tract development was observed in the carp fed the KL and KLP diets.

CORRESPONDING AUTHOR:

Prof. dr hab. Antoni Przybył, Akademia Rolnicza im. Augusta Cieszkowskiego w Poznaniu, Katedra Rybactwa Śródlądowego i Akwakultury, ul. Wojska Polskiego 71c, 60-625 Poznań, Tel./Fax: +48 (61) 8487706; e-mail: karp@owl.au.poznan.pl