IGF-1 and TGF-β Gene Expression and Length–Weight Relationship in Channa striata Fingerlings Fed with Artemia-Derived Chitosan Fish Feed

The present study was conducted for eight weeks and described the length weight relationship (LWR) and differential expression of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) genes in the striped murrel (Channa striata) fingerlings fed with three experimental diets: a chitosan-based feed prepared from Artemia shells, a basal diet (without chitosan), and a Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) diet. The length–weight relationship of Channa striata fingerlings presented as treatment-dependent growth, with negative allometry in the chitosan-fed group (b=2.280) and positive allometry in the basal and BSFL groups (b=3.444–3.474). Modifications in growth parameters and condition factor specify differential growth responses to the experimental diets. Total RNA was extracted from muscle tissues of the fingerlings using the TRIzol method, followed by cDNA synthesis and real-time PCR (RT-PCR). A significant upregulation of IGF-1 (7.27-fold) and TGF-β (5.51-fold) was exhibited in the chitosan-fed group (Exp 1) compared to the basal diet (Exp 2). The study emphasizes the potential of Artemia-derived chitosan as functional feed additives for enhancing the overall aquaculture performance and reducing the requirement for conventional fishmeal.