Abstract

Studies on whole body proximate composition of Indian cat fish (Clarias batrachus Linn.) fed on diet containing various levels of gossypol (a toxin, naturally occuring polyphenolic pigment in the cotton plant, Gossipium spp.) for 12 weeks have been made. Whole body moisture significantly increased whereas lipid decreased when dietary gossypol levels were increased to 600mg/kg or higher. However, no significant differences were observed for body moisture and lipid in fishes fed diet containing 600, 1200 and 1500 mg gossypol/kg respectively. Changes were observed in protein contents also. The details have been discussed in this paper.