Effect of seasonal variations on physico-metabolic responses of Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1822) reared under different culture systems
摘要
A year-round field study (2023–2024) was conducted to evaluate the combined effects of three seasons (summer, rainy, winter) and three freshwater culture systems (extensive, semi-intensive, sewage-fed) on the physico-metabolic responses of Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1822) using nine system X season treatment combinations (T1–T9). A total of 90 fish were collected from each system-season combination or treatment. The fish were evaluated for biometric indices, serum and tissue biochemical parameters, digestive enzymes, and carcass proximate composition along with treatment-wise water quality analysis. A significant (P < 0.05) system X season interaction effect was observed for fish reared in different systems. Sewage-fed ponds exhibited higher ammonia, alkalinity, hardness, pH, and lower dissolved oxygen levels during the rainy and summer seasons. Fish from the semi-intensive system showed significantly higher (P < 0.05) K in the summer/rainy season, HSI, and ISI in the winter season. Glucose and cortisol levels were highest in sewage-fed fish, with elevated SOD and Catalase activities. Sewage-fed fish exhibited significantly elevated (P < 0.05) metabolic enzymes (ALP, AST, ALT, LDH, MDH), peaking in the rainy season, whereas extensive winter fish showed the lowest activities. Serum proteins (total protein, albumin, globulin) were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced in the sewage-fed group and comparatively higher in extensive conditions. Cholesterol, LDL, and VLDL levels were significantly higher, and HDL levels were lower in the sewage-fed system. Excretory metabolites (urea, uric acid, creatinine, and bilirubin) were significantly high (P < 0.05) in sewage-fed rainy season fish. Digestive enzymes (amylase, protease, lipase) were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in sewage-fed fish. Whole-body composition showed significantly higher (P < 0.05) protein in semi-intensive fish, but greater lipid deposition in sewage-fed fish. Overall, seasons have a significant impact on the metabolic homeostasis of Labeo rohita, and the semi-intensive system provides optimal welfare conditions throughout all seasons. In contrast, the sewage-fed system imposes pronounced oxidative and metabolic stresses, especially during the rainy and summer seasons.