Phytase supplementation enhances mineral digestibility and blood indices in Catla catla fed plant-based diets

Articles in Press

Authors

1 Department of Life Sciences, Khwaja Fareed University of Engineering and Information Technology, Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan

2 Fish Nutrition Lab, Department of Zoology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan

3 Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan

4 Department of Zoology, Cholistan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Bahawalpur, Pakistan

10.22092/ijfs.2026.135055

Abstract

In the fish feed industry, fishmeal (FM) is highly valuable for its excellent combination of essential amino acids and fatty acids. However, due to its high cost and low availability, researchers are focusing on alternative sustainable plant-based protein sources. However, phytate, a major phosphorus-rich compound in plants, has a chelating effect that significantly reduces the absorption and bioavailability of essential nutrients, leading to nutritional imbalances. Adding phytase enzyme (PHY) in aqua feed improves the digestibility of minerals and reduces their excretion. Therefore, this study assessed the impact of PHY supplementation on hematological indices and mineral digestibility in Catla catla when fed different plant protein-based diets for FM replacement such as Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM), sunflower meal (SFM), canola meal (CM), guar meal (GM). Nine test diets were formulated: a control diet without PHY, and eight experimental diets with PHY added at 250 or 500 FTU/kg. The results revealed that the addition of 500 FTU/kg of PHY to a 50% MOLM significantly enhances the digestibility of minerals like P, Mg, Al, Na, K, Cu, and Zn, when compared to control and other test levels. In terms of blood indices, this supplementation increased the values of RBCs (3.18×106mm-3), Hb (8.68 g/100 ml), PCV (30.07 %) and WBCs (8.20×103mm-3) count as well as serum liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase (0.93 U/L) and aspartate aminotransferase (3.11 U/L). The results indicated that the most effective combination was a diet (T3) containing 50% MOLM and 500 FTU kg-1 PHY, which yielded optimal hematological and mineral profiles. Conclusively, this study shows that PHY-supplemented plant-based fish diets reduce the need for mineral supplements, lowering feed costs and environmental impact.

Keywords

Iranian Journal of Fisheries Sciences

Articles in Press, Corrected Proof
Available Online from 18 January 2026

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