Sign in Subscribe
Genetic research

Fermented Corn Cob Shows Potential as Sustainable Feed Additive for Koi Aquaculture

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A recent study published in Veterinary Research Communications evaluated the effects of fermented corn cob supplementation on growth performance, immune response, and immune-antioxidant gene expression in koi carp (Cyprinus carpio var. koi) cultured in biofloc systems. The research, conducted by a team of scientists from Chiang Mai University, found that fermented corn cob supplementation significantly improved growth performance, feed efficiency, and immune responses in koi carp, with the optimal level of supplementation identified as 17 g/kg.

Key Takeaways:

  • A total of 300 healthy koi carp (initial weight: 40.08 ± 0.11 g) were randomly assigned to five dietary treatments with three replicates per group over 60 days.
  • Fermented corn cob supplementation significantly improved growth performance and feed efficiency, with the FCC-10 group showing the best results, achieving a final weight of 115.06 ± 2.11 g, specific growth rate (SGR) of 0.73 ± 0.02 g/d, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of 0.62 ± 0.01.
  • Regression model analysis identified 17 g/kg as the optimal FCC level, maximizing final weight (FW), SGR, and FCR.
  • Fermented corn cob inclusion also enhanced immune responses, reflected by increased lysozyme and superoxide dismutase activities and upregulated immune-antioxidant gene expression (tnf-a, il-10, and gpx1).
  • Pearson correlation analysis showed strong positive associations between growth metrics (r 0.79, p 0.05) and significant correlations among antioxidant enzymes (gpx1, gst, and cat; r 0.41, p 0.05).
  • The study concluded that fermented corn cob shows strong potential as a sustainable feed additive to improve growth, immunity, and antioxidant defense in koi aquaculture.

Statistics:

  • Initial weight of koi carp: 40.08 ± 0.11 g
  • Final weight of koi carp (FCC-10 group): 115.06 ± 2.11 g
  • Specific growth rate (SGR): 0.73 ± 0.02 g/d
  • Feed conversion ratio (FCR): 0.62 ± 0.01
  • Optimal fermented corn cob level: 17 g/kg

Sources:

  • Veterinary Research Communications, "Effect of fermented corn cob (Zea mays L.) on growth performance, immunological response, and expression of immune-antioxidant genes in koi carp (Cyprinus carpio var. koi) reared in a low water exchange rearing system," 2025;49(6):355.
  • Springer, Van Godewijckstraat 30, 3311 Gz Dordrecht, Netherlands (www.springer.com)
  • Chiang Mai University, Dept. of Animal and Aquatic Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand.

Read more