A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science, School of Environment, Resources and Development

Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2006

A 3 x 3 factorial experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of Chitosan and Hydroxycitric acid (FICA) on the growth and body lipid content of Striped Catfish (Pangasius hypophthalnus). There were nine experimental diets were supplemented with three levels of HCA i.e. 0, 2.5 and 3% and three levels of chitosan i.e. 0, 2.5 and 5. The experiment was conducted for 72 days in cages (2x2xlm) installed in the earthen ponds stocked with 15 fish per cage. The result indicated that a diet containing 2.5% Chitosan supported good growth rate (daily weight gain 3.0 g/day, survival rate 95.7%) and efficient feed utilization (feed conversation ratio 2.24, PER 1.79, ANPU 43). However, growth and feed utilization efficiency were not significantly different from control diet containing zero HCA and chitosan supplements. The protein, moisture and ash content of fish fed different experimental diets were not significantly different. The whole body lipid content of fish ranged from 36 % to 42%. The lowest body lipid contents of fish were found in treatment with diet containing 2.5% Chitosan with or without HCA supplements. Fillet lipid content (%) of fish fed diet with 2.5% Chitosan was significantly lower than that of fish fed with all other diets. It is concluded that supplementing fish feed with 2.5% Chitosan can significantly reduce fillet fat content.