Concurrent supplementation effects of dietary formic acid and vitamin D-3 on the growth, digestive enzyme activities and bone mineralization of pond-cultured Cirrhinus mrigala fingerlings

A 60-days feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of formic acid, vitamin D-3 and their synergism on the performance of Cirrhinus mrigala fingerlings. Four diets designating as D-0,D-0, D-2,D-0, D-0,D-5000 and D-2,D-5000 were formulated by incorporating formic acid (FA) (%) and vitamin D-3 (IU/Kg) at the levels of 0,0; 2,0; 0,5000 and 2,5000, respectively. Results showed improved growth performance by the individual addition of both the supplements. Similarly, bone mineralization and intestinal enzyme activities were also affected significantly with the supplementation of both the additives separately. Furthermore, vitamin D-3 supplementation improved the crude protein (CP), crude fat (CF) and decreased the moisture contents in the muscles of fish. However, muscle moisture and ash contents were not affected by dietary FA, although a significant increase in CP and a decrease in CF was observed. The combined addition of both the supplements substantially ameliorated the growth performance and protease activity. Moreover, a positive synergism between these two supplements was also recorded for bone P, Zn and Mn contents. In conclusion, the individual, as well as combination of vitamin D-3 and FA improved the growth performance and other attributes of test fingerlings.

Automated summary

The individual addition of formic acid and vitamin D-3 improved growth performance, bone mineralization, and intestinal enzyme activities of Cirrhinus mrigala fingerlings. Additionally, the combined addition of both supplements enhanced growth performance, protease activity, and bone mineral contents. Overall, the study showed positive synergism between vitamin D-3 and formic acid in improving the growth performance and attributes of the test fingerlings.