"Effect of Phyto meal (Guinea grass) and Bacterial additives on growth Performance, Feed Utilization and Physiological Parameters of Grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)"

This study aims to evaluate the partial replacement of yellow corn with dried Gunia grass, with or without ZAD®, Bacti Silage, or their combination, on various growth and health parameters of Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). The parameters assessed include growth performance, feed utilization, water quality, biometric measures, blood profiles, digestive and liver enzyme activities, body composition, organ histology, and economic feasibility. Thirteen experimental diets were formulated to contain 25% crude protein and mean gross energy 442.8 kcal/100 g. The control diet (D1) contained no dried Gunia grass, while diets D2, D3, and D4 included 10%, 20%, and 30% dried Gunia grass (DGG), respectively. Diets D5, D6, and D7 incorporated 10%, 20%, and 30% DGG with ZAD® (GGZ), while diets D8, D9, and D10 included the same levels of DGG with Bacti Silage (GGBS). Diets D11, D12, and D13 combined both ZAD® and Bacti Silage (GGZB) at similar inclusion rates. The study was conducted in 39 hapa nets (120 cm L x 120 cm W x 100 cm H), with 15 Grass Carp fingerlings (average weight 0.97 ± 0.02 g) stocked per net. Each treatment had three replicates, and fish were fed at 3% of their body weight three times daily (six days per week). Synergistic use of ZAD® and Bacti Silage, especially at higher inclusion levels of dried Gunia grass (20% and 30%) consistently improves feed intake, feed efficiency, protein and energy utilization, and growth performance making GGZB as a superior alternative to yellow corn in Grass carp diets.