Effect of varying dietary protein on food utilization, growth performance and body composition of major carp (Labeo rohita) Mahajan Shashikant, Jain R.K.*, Tiwari D.P., Mudgal Vishal Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary Science and A.H., Indra Gandhi Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Anjora, Durg-491 001, Chhatisgarh, India *Corresponding autor: E mail: drrkjainvet@gmail.com
Online published on 31 August, 2018. Abstract Three fish meal based pelleted diets containing 27% (A), 31% (B) and 35% (C) crude protein levels were evaluated for major carp (Labeo rohita) early fry (450) after dividing into three groups of 3 replicates with 50 carps each in a aquaria through a short term laboratory experiment of three weeks. The feed consumption was comparable in all the groups. Feed conversion and protein efficiency ratios were 2.75, 1.36, 2.74, 1.19 and 2.53, 1.14 in groups A, B and C, respectively with no significant difference among groups. Average weight gain (%) was highest (228.16) in group B though numerically comparable among groups. The digestibility of dry matter, organic matter and crude protein were highest in group C as compared to others, while numerically data remained comparable. Body composition of major carp also indicated numerical superiority (high protein and low AIA content) of group C. Non significant variation in food conversion, protein efficiency ratio as well as protein retention efficiency suggested suitability of lowest protein level. It might be concluded that 27% CP with high carbohydrate (47.97%) might be optimum (77.01 Protein/Energy ratio) to support performance in early fry of major carp fed fish meal based pelleted diets. Top Keywords Body composition, Feed utilization, Growth, Labeo rohita, Major carp, Protein levels. Top |