Mixed leaf meal supplemented with exogenous enzyme and limiting amino acids can completely replace DORB (de-oiled rice bran) in the diet of Labeo rohita

Various single leaf meal can substitute costly de-oiled rice bran (DORB) in farm made feed for carps. However, the use of mixed leaf meal (LM) in fish feed is not reported yet. Therefore, Vigna mungo, Ipomoea aquatica and Hygrophila spinosa leaf meals were blended in an equal proportion to prepare LM. DORB was the major energy source in control diet (C) and LM substituted 50% and 100% of DORB in LM20 and LM40 experimental diets, respectively. In addition, control diet (C), LM20 and LM40 diets were supplemented with limiting amino acids and exogenous carbohydrases and denoted as CE, LM20E and LM40E, respectively. Labeo rohita fingerlings were fed till satiation for 60 days. Fish fed with LM20E diet exhibited maximum growth rates and feed conversion (p <0.05) however these were similar in C and LM40 (p > 0.05). Amylase and aminotransferase activities were positively related with growth indices (p < 0.05). Difference in hematological indices was negligible (except total leukocyte count), and lactate dehydrogenase activities in DORB and LM-based fed groups (p > 0.05) while lower superoxide dismutase activities was observed in LM fed groups (p < 0.05). The present study concluded that LM up to 400 g kg^–1 could be incorporated as complete DORB replacer in L. rohita diet, however, 200 g kg^–1 LM supplemented with 0.98 g L-lysine kg^–1 and 1 g exogenous enzyme kg^–1 registered the best growth, nutrient utilization, feed conversion ratio, physio-metabolic responses and hematological status.