Lipid Nutrition in Mahseer

Good and balanced nutrition is the key in a successful animal production system that leads to the production of a healthy and high quality product. Lipids act as the main energy source in the diet supplying energy about two times more than protein and carbohydrate. Lipids can be utilized in fish in order to spare dietary protein for growth purposes. Consumption of protein as an energy source, resulting from inadequate amounts of dietary lipid, may lead to protein deficiency for fish growth. Lipids are also an important source of essential fatty acids, phospholipids and fat-soluble vitamins. Therefore, Knowledge of lipid sources and the effects of their different dietary levels on the physiological aspects of fish is crucial in order to start commercial production of any fish species. The present study reviews the recent results on these aspects obtained in our laboratory that contribute to a better understanding of mahseer lipid nutrition.