Evaluating the effect of adding different levels of nano-silica to the diets of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) fingerlings and its impact on growth performance and feed conversion efficiency
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54174/9jj2x020Keywords:
Keywords: Nano-silica, common carp, growth, feed conversion efficiency, aquaculture.Abstract
This study aimed to show the effect of adding different levels of silica nanoparticles to the diets of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) fingerlings on performance of growth and feed utilization efficiency. The experiment was conducted over sixty days using three dietary treatments: diets containing 32% raw protein protein and supplemented with three levels of silica nanoparticles (0, 2, and 4 mg/kg feed). Healthy fingerlings with an average initial weight of (25±5 g) were used and randomly dispersed into 6 identical tanks (two tanks per treatment) in a semi-closed aquatic system under a completely randomized design.
The results showed a significant enhancement (P<0.05) in growth indicators at the 2 mg/kg feed supplementation level. This treatment recorded the highest values for weight gain. specific growth rate, and feed utilization efficiency compared to the other treatments. As opposed to the highest level of nano-silica ( 4 mg/kg feed ) resulted in decreased performance, suggesting that greater doses may have negative physiological effects that decrease feed utilization. Improved performance was also associated with a significant increase in the apparent protein digestibility coefficient at a level of 2 mg/kg feed. The study concludes that supplementing common carp diets with nano-silica at a level of 2 mg/kg feed represents the optimal level for improving growth and feed conversion efficiency without causing physiological stress.
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