Effects of Dietary Menadione Sodium Bisulphite (Vitamin K3) on Growth Performance, Flesh Quality, Intestinal Morphology of Juvenile Gnathanodon speciosus.

Abstract

The golden trevally (Gnathanodon speciosus) is a promising choice for aquaculture due to its quick growth, high market value, and exquisite flavour. Identifying strategies to optimise production through growth promotion is essential in golden trevally aquaculture. The benefits of vitamin K for fish remain contentious. It benefits certain fish but not others. Furthermore, the impact of vitamin K on golden trevally remains unexplored. This experiment was conducted to evaluate the impact of vitamin K on the golden trevally, G. speciosus (starting weight 5.43 g ± 0.21). Three concentrations of vitamin K (10, 20 and 40 mg kg⁻¹ diet) were added to the basal diet (control diet). We administered four dietary treatments, each with three duplicates, to the fish over a period of eight weeks. The growth performance, as well as the protein and fat content in muscle, was assessed. At the conclusion of the feeding trial (week 8), the addition of vitamin K to a golden trevally diet led to a statistically significant enhancement in growth (P < 0.05). The survival rate of fish consuming diet vitamin K were not significantly different from the control group. Moreover, the protein and fat content in the flesh of golden trevally dramatically increased with elevated vitamin levels in their meals. To ensure optimal growth and survival, it is advisable to augment the diet of golden trevally with a minimum of a specific amount of 20 mg vitamin K per kilogram. In summary, dietary supplementation with vitamin K enhances growth, survival, and body composition in juvenile specimens of this species. This experiment is the first study on the benefits of vitamin K for golden trevally and deserves examination; however, researchers should conduct further studies on physiological impacts and stress resilience.