Evaluation of protexin probiotics on the growth, and health of Cirrhinus mrigala (Mrigal)

Probiotic supplements have the potential to improve the gut flora and enhance nutritional efficacy and blood indices. In this study, sunflower seed meal based diet (SFM) supplemented with a commercial probiotic (protexin^®) was examined to evaluate the effects on the survival, growth, digestibility, antioxidant status, carcass and hematology of Cirrhinus mrigala fingerlings. Fish were subjected to a 12-week feeding regimen to examine the efficacy of probiotics. Seven diets with different probiotic doses (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, and 3 g kg^-1) were prepared and randomly assigned to 21 tanks, each stocked with 15 fingerlings, resulting in a total of 315 fish utilized forthe experiment. Analysis showed that fish treated 2 g kg^-1 probiotics level exhibited a remarkable 100% survival rate. The results indicated that probiotics (2 g kg^-1) supplementation revealed notable differences in weight gain (19.76 g), weight gain% (283.15%), FCR (1.31) and SGR (1.49% d^-1) than other probiotic concentrations and control. The dietary administration of 2 g kg^-1 probiotics to C. mrigala resulted in significant improvements in digestibility, with values of 70.52% for protein, 70.30% for gross energy, and 73.71% for fat. Carcass composition also showed notable enhancements, with fat, ash, protein, and moisture content of 4.78%, 2.03%, 18.08%, and 75.11%, respectively. Overall findings indicated that adding 2 g kg⁻¹ probiotics showed improved hematological indices, such as increased red blood cell, hemoglobin and white blood cell count and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity. Mineral analysis revealed optimal levels at 2 g kg^-1 probiotics: Ca (72.57%), Na (73.08%), K (71.45%), P (74.70%), Fe (67.43%), Cu (63.62%), Mg (61.98%), and Al (62.18%). To sum up, the dose of 2 g kg^-1 probiotics supplementation has a profoundly positive impact on growth, digestibility, health, and hematology in C. mrigala.