Nutritional Efficacy of Richmin and Vanimin Feed Additives on Biochemical and Productivity of Fish (C.catla, L. rohita, C.mrigala) Species under Field Conditions

About the Book

Increase in food production is one of the basic objectives under different plan periods of National Policy. It has been remarked that science must help us to increase food production in the country. Natural and human resources can be profitably developed and equally shared to create more employment opportunities and usher into an egalitarian society. The scientific policy of the Government of India declares that the need of the hour is to utilize the resource potential for enhancing the economic development of the country. This will ultimately result in the increase of per capita income, per capita production, per capita consumption and better socio-economic conditions for the people. This increase in per capita production and consumption will bring down the incidence of malnutrition and vulnerability to diseases among people. It is common knowledge that the diet of an average Indian is very low in calories. Wide spread protein malnutrition (Kwashiorkor, marasmus anemia) particularly in children and women from the lower stratas of the society is one of most serious problems affecting our mother land. "Requirement of protein is more of quality than quantity" (Suman, 2003). The animal component in the diet of the above groups is alarmingly low. Therefore, the main food required is animal protein. The fish protein is undoubtedly the cheapest and of the superior quality as it contains all the essential amino acids for body building as compared to plant proteins. Aquaculture is brought to light as a new tool for the production of more proteinaceous food to cope with the ever increasing food problem especially malnutrition.

Billions of People in third world countries are suffering from a different kind of hunger called malnutrition. Food fortification is likely to have played an important role in the current nutritional health and well-being of populations in industrialized countries (Misra et al, 2004). Now a days Aquaculture has emerged as a new tool for the production of more nutritious food to cope with the ever increasing food problem especially the protein requirements for compensating malnutrition. Fish is the richest source of animal protein (22%) and fish is available at a very low cost when compared to mutton or chicken. Further, fish plays a pivotal role in human nutrition and welfare.

In Aquaculture practices Richmin and Vanimin are generally used as mineral supplements to enhance the growth of the food organisms on which the fish devour. The author of this thesis hypothesises that the agents Richmin and Vanimin can be used as supplementary feed in Aquaculture practices. To check this, the author screened the effect of Richmin and Vanimin on Catla catla, Labio rohita, Cirrinus mrigala on fecundity, fertilization, hatchlings, protein metabolism, carbohydrate, growth metabolism, lipid metabolism and energy metabolic aspects. In addition, Richmin and Vanimin fed fishes were also studied to know whether Richmin and Vanimin have a positive effect on the productivity. Based on the experimental data, the author endeavoured to recommend specified doses of Richmin and Vanimin for use in Aquaculture practices.