Combined effect of acidification and phytase supplementation on calcium and phosphorus digestibility and body composition of rohu (Labeo rohita)

Rohu fish is tastiest fish among carps but its production is less than other species due to its slow growth and high mortality due to unavailability of suitable diet especially at juveniles stage. this study focus on the healthy production with low cost by using sunflower meal to some extent replace fish meal. in this 3 × 3 factorial and completely randomized design study 324 fish were used. the acidification levels were (0,1.5 and 3%) whereas the phytase levels were (0,500 and 1000 ftu). the addition of 3 % citric acid and 1000ftu phytase produced significant interaction effect on calcium and phosphorus digestibility and different body contents of l. rohita. phytase and citric acid increased the digestibility of calcium and phosphorus with improvement in body dry matter,protein,fat,energy and ash contents of l. rohita. acidification and phytase supplementation showed significant (p < 0.05) interaction on body composition and mineral utilization in rohu. citric acid and phytase supplementation improves the diet by increasing the availability of minerals and quality of fish by positively affecting the body composition of fish. 3% citric acid and 1000ftu phytase proves to be interacted positively. further study is required to find the optimum levels of phytase and citric acid in this regard. copyright 2017 zoological society of pakistan.