INCORPORATION OF FERMENTED DRUMSTICK (<i>MORINGA OLEIFERA</i>) LEAVES FOR GROWTH AND HEALTH OF AMUR CARP (<i>CYPRINUS CARPIO HAEMATOPTERUS</i>)

The effect of fermented drumstick (Moringa oleifera) leaves on the growth and health of Amur carp (Cyprinus carpio haematopterus) was studied. Five iso-nitrogenous (CP 34%) and iso-calorie (360 Kcal 100 g-1) diets were formulated. Diet T0 had conventional feed ingredients, while T1, T2, T3 and T4 had fermented moringa leaf powder at 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%, respectively replacing equivalent GNOC. Amur carp fry (1.17±0.05g) were reared in triplicate in 200 l FRP tank with aeration, feeding and siphoning. At the end fishes were challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila. The T4 group had significantly (p<0.05) highest weight gain (513.6%), specific growth rate (2.01), feed efficiency ratio (0.55) and protein efficiency ratio (1.64). A gradual increase in weight gain with increase in the level of fermented moringa leaf powder was noticed, recording a 177% increase in weight gain in T4 compared to T0. After the challenge study, lowest mortality rates (10%) were observed in T3 and T4. Hence, fermented moringa leaf powder can be incorporated up to 20% in Amur carp diets to improve growth, survival and health of the fish.