THE EFFECT OF DIETHYLSTILBESTROL (DES) AND 17-B-ESTRADIOL (E) ON THE GROWTH AND TISSUE CHEMISTRY OF LABEO ROHITA

Abstract

Diethylstilbestrol (DES) and 17-β-estradiol (E2) have shown an increase in the growth rate, food conversion efficiency, total protein content, Protein/DNA and RNA/DNA ratios in the Indian Major Carp, Labeo rohita, cultured under natural photo period and temperature. However, no significant change was observed in the total lipid and carbohydrate concentrations. From the results it may be concluded that DES and E2 reduce the metabolic rate and enhance the accumulation of proteins in tissues. The optimum dosage for Labeo rohita is 3-5 ppm for DES and 1-3 ppm for E2 However, DES has a toxic effect with the increase in concentration of the hormone. Diethylstilbestrol and 17-β-estradiol may be included in the anabolic growth promoter and appetite depressant estrogens