Veterinary Research Forum

Physiological responses of Oscar fish (Astronotus ocellatus) to dietary L-carnitine and soybean lecithin under high-lipid nutrition

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Kianoosh Kalantar Nistanaki 1
Ahmad Imani 2
Kourosh Sarvi Moghanlou 3

1 Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Natural Resources, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran

2 Urmia University

3 Urmia University, Faculty of Natural Resources, Department of Fisheries

10.30466/vrf.2026.2071219.4905
Abstract
Optimization of dietary lipid utilization through dietary lecithin and L-carnitine supplementtaion is a key nutritional strategy to improve growth performance and feed efficiency of carnivorous ornamental fish. However, limited information is available on the combined effects of dietary lipid, soybean lecithin (SBL), and L-carnitine (L-CA) content in Oscar fish. The effects of SBA and L-CA at high and low dietary lipid levels was evaluated on Oscar fish. A total of 225 fish (6.5 ± 0.5 g) were randomly allocated to five dietary groups consisting (a) control diet (LIP 10%), (b) diet containing 18% LIP, (c) diet containing 18% LIP + 4% SBL, (d) diet containing 18% LIP + 500 mg/kg L-CA, and (e) diet containing 18% LIP + 4% SBL + 500 mg/kg L-CA for a six-week period. Fish fed the diet containing 18% LIP + 4% SBL exhibited higher final body weight, specific growth rate, and weight gain, alongside a decreased FCR compared to other groups (p < 0.05). No significant differences were detected in carcass moisture or protein content among experimental groups (p > 0.05); whereas, lipid content was significantly elevated in the 18% LIP + 4% SBL diet (p < 0.05). Additionally, hepatic antioxidant enzyme activities (e.g., superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase) as well as intestinal digestive enzymes (e.g., alkaline protease, lipase, and alpha-amylase), did not differ significantly across experiment groups (p > 0.05). In conclusion, a diet of 18% LIP + 4% SBL is recommended to enhance growth performance and feed efficiency in Oscar fish.

Keywords

Diet
Fat
Lecithin
Oscar fish
Physiological parameters
Subjects
Veterinary Research Forum

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 03 October 2026

  • Receive Date 08 September 2025
  • Revise Date 15 February 2026
  • Accept Date 13 June 2026

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