STUDIES ON THE GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND IMMUNE RESPONSE OF KOI CARP FINGERLINGS (Cyprinus carpio KOI) FED WITH AZOMITE SUPPLEMENTED DIET

Effects of dietary azomite, a natural mineral of volcanic ash, on the growth performance and immune response of koi carp fingerlings (Cyprinus carpio koi) were investigated. Koi carp fingerlings were divided into four groups and each group was fed with azomite supplemented diet with three graded levels (2.0 g kg-1, 4.0 g kg-1 and 6.0 g kg-1) along with control group. After 8 weeks of feeding trial, the results indicate that the koi fed with diets supplemented with 4.0 g kg-1 azomite had the highest final weight, specific growth rate, total phagocytic activity, phagocytic index, NBT assay, lysozyme assay, total protein and immunoglobulin levels of koi carp fingerlings were significantly (P < 0.05) increased compared with control group. The results showed that the dietary level of 4.0 g kg-1 azomite can improve the growth performance and immune response of koi carp fingerlings.