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60 days Research & its Facts- Unlocking the Potential of De-Oiled Rice Bran for Healthier Fish

De-oiled rice bran (DORB) is a byproduct of the rice milling process that has gained attention in the aquaculture industry due to its potential as a cost-effective and nutritious feed ingredient. A recent study conducted on Labeo rohita, a popular freshwater fish, has shed light on how DORB can be enhanced with specific additives to improve the overall health and well-being of these aquatic creatures.


The Study*: Enhancing DORB with Exogenous Enzymes, Essential Amino Acids, and Essential Fatty Acids

The study involved a 60-day feeding trial where Labeo rohita (ROHU) were fed with DORB-based diets supplemented with various combinations of exogenous enzymes, essential amino acids, and essential fatty acids. The researchers divided the fish into three treatment groups:


1. T1: DORB + phytase and xylanase (0.01% each)

2. T2: DORB + phytase (0.01%) + xylanase (0.01%) + L-lysine (1.4%) + L-methionine (0.4%) + EPA and DHA (0.5%)

3. T3: DORB + phytase (0.01%), xylanase and cellulase (0.075%) + L-lysine (1.4%) + L-methionine (0.4%) + EPA and DHA (0.5%)


The researchers then analyzed the hematology, liver, and intestinal histoarchitecture of the fish to assess the impact of these dietary supplements on their overall health.


Improved Blood Parameters and Liver Health

The study found that the addition of exogenous enzymes, essential amino acids, and essential fatty acids to DORB-based diets had a positive impact on the blood parameters and liver health of Labeo rohita. Specifically:

- Serum total protein, albumin content, and A/G ratio showed significant improvement in the supplemented groups compared to the control group.

- Hemoglobin (Hb) content, red blood cell (RBC) count, and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) also varied significantly among the treatment groups, indicating enhanced oxygen-carrying capacity and overall blood health.

- The liver examination revealed no visible alterations and showed normal histoarchitecture, suggesting that the supplemented diets did not have any adverse effects on the fish's liver.


Maintaining Intestinal Health

The study also focused on the impact of the supplemented DORB-based diets on the intestinal health of Labeo rohita. The researchers found that:

- The intestinal examination showed no visible alterations and maintained normal histoarchitecture, indicating that the supplemented diets did not cause any damage to the fish's digestive system.

- The addition of exogenous enzymes, essential amino acids, and essential fatty acids to DORB-based diets helped in the efficient utilization of nutrients, leading to improved overall health and well-being of the fish.


Conclusion: A Promising Approach for Healthier Fish

Based on the findings of the study, it can be concluded that DORB supplemented with exogenous enzymes, essential amino acids, and essential fatty acids can be a promising approach for improving the health of Labeo rohita and potentially other fish species as well. The specific combination of supplements used in the study, particularly the inclusion of phytase, xylanase, cellulase, L-lysine, L-methionine, EPA, and DHA, proved to be effective in enhancing the blood parameters, liver health, and intestinal integrity of the fish.


Implications for the Aquaculture Industry

The findings of this study have significant implications for the aquaculture industry. By incorporating DORB-based diets supplemented with exogenous enzymes, essential amino acids, and essential fatty acids, fish farmers can:

- Improve the overall health and well-being of their fish, leading to better growth performance and reduced susceptibility to diseases.

- Reduce the reliance on expensive and often unsustainable fish meal by using a cost-effective and readily available ingredient like DORB.

- Contribute to the development of more sustainable and environmentally friendly aquaculture practices by utilizing byproducts and reducing waste.


Future Research Directions

While this study provides valuable insights into the potential of DORB-based diets for improving fish health, further research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects and optimize the supplementation levels. Some potential areas for future research include:

- Investigating the impact of these supplemented diets on the growth performance and feed conversion efficiency of Labeo rohita and other fish species

- Evaluating the economic feasibility and cost-effectiveness of incorporating DORB-based diets into commercial aquaculture operations.

- Exploring the potential of DORB-based diets in enhancing the immune response and disease resistance of fish.


In conclusion, the study on Labeo rohita (ROHU) has demonstrated the promising potential of DORB-based diets supplemented with exogenous enzymes, essential amino acids, and essential fatty acids in improving the overall health and well-being of fish. As the aquaculture industry continues to seek sustainable and cost-effective solutions, this approach holds great promise for the future of fish farming.



*Source- Research done by Amit Ranjan, a ICAR, Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai, India;b TNJFU-Institute of Fisheries Post Graduate Studies, Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

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