Effects of Feed Deprivation on the Biochemical Responses of Pangasianodon hypophthalmus

The effects of feed deprivation, including feed restriction and starvation, were investigated on the biochemical responses of Pangasianodon hypophthalmus over a 28-day period. Juvenile P. hypophthalmus were divided into three groups: control (daily feeding), feed limited (fed every third day) and deprived (no feeding). Blood samples were collected weekly. Results showed a significant decrease (P<0.05) in total protein and calcium levels in fish subjected to feed restriction and starvation. Although glucose levels decreased, the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Cortisol levels in feed-deprived fish showed significant variations (P<0.05) with an erratic trend. Notably, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatinine levels exhibited significant increases (P<0.05). Throughout the starvation period, alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) levels rose, yet compared to the control, their concentrations did not significantly differ (P>0.05). The study concludes that total protein, LDH, and calcium, among other biochemical markers, were particularly sensitive to hunger-induced stress in P. hypophthalmus. This kind of study already conducted on some freshwater catfishes (Mustafa S., Tripathi G.) and catfiahes.