Feed conversion, protein efficiency, digestibility and growth performance of Oreochromis niloticus fed Delonix regia seed meal

Oreochromis niloticus fingerlings (mean weight 5.27~c0.29g) were fed raw and boiled Delonix regia seed meals following standard procedures. The weight gain, specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR), protein efficiency ratio (PER), net protein utilization (NPU) were determined as growth indices. Diet formulated with seed boiled for 80 minutes showed significantly (P<0.05) high values for the growth indices. Carcass nutrients composition were significantly (P<0.05) higher than in the control (raw) diet. Delonix regia seed meal when boiled has high potential of being utilized efficiently by O.niloticus. The implications of the respective index in fish metabolism are discussed

Effects of animal and plant protein diets on growth of Indian major carp (Labeo rohita Ham.) fingerlings

An experiment was conducted with Labeo rohita fingerlings in an indoor static fish rearing water system of glass made aquaria. Five experimental diets A, B, C, D and E were formulated containing 33% dietary protein level in five treatments each having two replicates containing 12 fingerlings of mean total initial weight of 13.00±0.2g. Sixty days of feeding trial in this experiment showed that fish fed on diet 'A' containing fish meal and diet 'E' containing mixed plant sources protein had significantly highest and lowest growth respectively. However, no significant difference of growth was found in fish fed on diets C and D containing meat and bone meal, and mix of animal protein source diets respectively. The result showed that the apparent protein digestibility (APD) of diets 'A' and 'E' had significantly best and least values respectively. Food conversion ratio (FCR) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) ranged between 1.37 to 2.17 and 1.38 to 2.18 respectively. On the basis of observed FCR and PER diets 'A' and 'E' produced significantly highest and lowest growth respectively.

The effect of feeding rate on the growth, food conversion and protein efficiency of silver dollar, Metynnis schreitmulleri (AHL), fry

A 30-day experiment was conducted to determine the effects of varying feeding rates on the growth of fry of silver dollar, Metynnis schreitmulleri (Ahl). Silver dollar fry with an average initial body weight of 1.100 ± 0.029 g were collected from a local fish breeder and fed a diet (35% protein and 6% fat) at the rate of 3, 6 and 9% of body weight per day in two equal meals. Per cent weight gain increased from 54.54 to 118.18 with increased feeding rates, which were significantly different (p<0.05) from each other. The highest specific growth rate was obtained in the fry fed at 9% body weight per day. In another study for 30 days, the effects of feeding frequency on growth, feed conversion and protein efficiency of silver dollar fry were evaluated. Groups of silver dollar fry with an initial individual weight of 0.700 ± 0.019 g were offered feed continuously for 24 hours during the day or night at different time intervals with varying meal sizes. The night time feeding with two meals gave the lowest weight and length gains (0.985 g and 0.30 cm). The growth rates of fish fed during day with three equal-sized meals are significantly (p<0.05) higher (4.66%) than the other treatments.

Growth of juvenile freshwater prawn Macro brachium mslcolmsonii fed with various protein diets containing different biowastes

An experiment was conducted with juvenile prawns Macrobrachium malcolmso11ii, (0:76± 0.01 ro 0.94-::tO.Ol g) w evaluate various protein source diets. Six diets containing 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%,and 45% of crude protein were formulated, and fed to prawns in the form of pellet to evaluate their suitability. The experiment was designed for 60 days and sampling was made at every 15 days interval. At the end of the study period growth, feed conversion ration (FCR) specific growth rate (SGR), feed efficiency and survival were determined for prawns in each dietary treatment. Among the above five feeds poor FCR and higher weight gain observed in 35% protein diet (B-4). Similarly specific growth rate and feed efficiency are also highest with diet containing 35% protein. The dietary protein levels above 35% exerts a decrease in growth of prawn was observed in the present study. The feed efficiency ratio and protein efficiency ratio decreased with the increased dietary protein levels. It is concluded that 35% protein diet could be suitable with optimum protein supply for Macrobrachium malcolmsonii Therefore, above and below this 35% protein level in the formulated feed leads to metabolic stress which lowers the conversion efficiency and wastage of nutrients.

Squilla protein: chemical composition and nutritive value

Protein extract prepared from squilla (Grato squilla nepa), a commercially unexploited crustacean, was analysed for crude protein and essential amino acids. All the essential amino acids except tryptophan and threonine were present in nutritionally adequate amounts. The protein was evaluated for its nutritional quality in respect of growth rate, protein efficiency ratio (PER) and liver nitrogen content by feeding on rats. Growth rates and protein efficiency ratios were similar in rats fed on casein, squilla protein and a combination of squilla protein and casein (1:1) diet. The weight of liver and kidneys were normal.

Soluble protein isolated from low cost fish and fish wastes

The method of preparation, composition, amino acid content, protein efficiency ratio and areas of possible application of water soluble protein isolates from low cost fish and fish wastes are discussed in detail in this communication.

Growth and survival of Penaeus monodon postlarvae fed shrimp head meal and fish meal as primary animal source of protein

Although shrimp head meal alone does not provide for good growth and survival, fish meal can provide high survival rate. The addition of shrimp head improves this diet. It is suggested that cholesterol present in shrimp could have caused this difference. Composition of the test diets is tabulated, as are proximate chemical analysis of the diets, and the mean initial weights, final weights, weight gains, survival rate, feed consumed, protein consumed, of Penaeus monodon postlarvae, feed conversion and protein efficiency ratio.

A preliminary study on the evaluation of casein, shrimp meal, squid meal and spirulina as protein sources of Penaeus monodon (Fabricius) postlarvae

P. monodon postlarvae were fed with fresh brown mussel (Modiolus metcalfei ) meat, and artificial diets containing casein, shrimp (Metapenaeus ensis ) meal, squid (Loligo ) meal, and Spirulina as protein sources at a rate of 20% of their biomass per day for a period of 10 days. No statistical difference was found among the weight gains of shrimp fed on various experimental diets. However, shrimp fed squid meal diet had highest weight gain followed by shrimp meal, fresh brown mussel meat, casein and Spirulina . Shrimp fed squid meal diet had a significantly better feed conversion and those receiving other experimental diets. Poorest fed conversion was observed in shrimp fed Spirulina . The protein efficiency ratio was statistically highest for the squid meal diet, with the lowest value again for Spirulina diets. Survival rate was significantly highest for shrimp fed the shrimp meal diet. No statistical differences were found among shrimp fed other experimental diets. Appropriate data are tabulated.

Effect of diets containing various protein and energy levels on some growth parameters, survival and the production of Astacus leptodactylus in different salinities

A factorial experiment was conducted for 60 days to determine of the response of Narrow clawed crayfish Astacus leptodactylus (average weight of 17±2.3 g) to diets containing various protein and energy levels. Nine diets containing three levels of protein (30, 35 and 40 %) and three levels of energy (300,370 and 450 kcal/100g) were formulated and prepared in this trial. Each diet also was used in two levels of salinity include 0 (fresh water) and 12 ppt(Caspian sea water). So this study was conducted with 18 treatments and triplicates random group of 5 crayfish per each 110-litre tank. Weight Gain, Feed conversion ratio (FCR), Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER), Net Protein Utilization (NPU), Daily Food Consumption (DFC), Survival (SVR) and body composition of tail-muscle meat of animal were determined. Comparing the growth parameters in response to interaction between protein, energy and salinity levels demonstrated that all growth parameters have difference between them significantly (p<0.05). Comparing between survival in fresh and Caspian Sea water showed difference significantly. Compare the body composition results indicate the greatest amount of protein absorption in diet number 2(30/370) on fresh water condition. Results from this study indicate that narrow clawed crayfish can be fed a practical diet containing 30% protein and 370 Kcal/100g on non-salinity water which is the optimize CP percentage for their producer’s profits.

Interactions of dietary levels of protein and energy on rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in desert brackish water

A 3x3 factorial experiment was conducted to determine the optimum protein to energy (P/E) ratio for rainbow trout in brackish water. Three crud protein levels and three energy levels at each protein level were utilized. Diets were made in semi-purified that in all of them fish meal, casein and gelatin as the sources of protein and dextrin, starch and oil as the sources of energy were used. Each of experimental diets was fed to triplicate groups of 20 fish with an average individual weight of 81.5 g in 9 2000-1 flow trough fiberglass tanks. During this experiment water temperature, dissolved oxygen, PH and EC were 15±2°C, 6.5-8.1 mg/1, 7.7-8.6 and 25400 grills respectively. The diets were fed at a rate between 1.6-2 wet body weight% per day depended to water temperature in three equal rations and adjusted two weekly for 84 days. At each of protein levels, weight gain percent (%WG), average daily growth percent (%ADG), protein efficiency ratio (PER), apparent net protein utilization percent (%ANPU), or percent of protein deposited, specific growth rate (SGR) and condition factor (CF) were found to increase and food conversion ratio (FCR) was found to decrease with an increasing energy levels from 370 to 430 Kcal/100g. Fish fed a 35% protein, 430 Kcal/100g energy diet with a P/E ratio of 81.4 mg protein/ Kcal PFV energy, attained the best growth performance. Fat and moisture of carcass were affected by protein and energy levels of test diets while protein and ash of carcass were relatively constant in different treatments.

A preliminary investigation into the effects of a sex-reversal androgen, methyltestosterone, on food utilization and growth of Sarotherodon niloticus (L) fry

Three groups of Sarotherodon niloticus fry were fed for 8 weeks on diets either treated with 17- & methyltestosterone (MT), alcohol (CA), or untreated (CO). Growth rate and food utilization in the different groups were compared. Results indicate that the best growth, Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR), Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER) and Mean Growth Rate (MGR) were obtained with the MT diet. There was no significant difference (P 0.05) in growth and food utilization of the CA and CO fry, nor in the mortality rate of the 3 treatments. The androgen, methyltestosterone promotes growth and protein anabolism without producing toxic effects in S. niloticus

Effects of fish-meal, cow blood-meal, and sorghum diets on food utilization and growth of cage cultured Sarotherodon niloticus

The growth responses and feed utilization of Sarotherodon niloticus held in metal cages in a pond and fed diets containing fish-meal, cow blood-meal or sorghum was studied. Results indicate that the best growth, feed conversion and protein efficiency ratio were obtained with the diet containing 60% fish-meal. The growth performance of fish on 40% fish-meal, and 40% and 60% blood meal were not significantly different, and were quite close to the performance with 60% fish-meal. The growth and food utilization of fish on 84% sorghum diet was significantly lower than the rest. The Caged fish without supplemental feeding had a light gain in weight. All fish with supplemental feeding appeared healthy. It is concluded that cow blood meal at 40% or 60% inclusion in diet can adequately replace fish-meal in S. niloticus supplemental diet in pond culture

Digestibility and nutrient utilisation of soybean bran-based diets in Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus

The digestibility and utilisation of two soybean bran-based diets and two fishmeal-based diets serving as control, at optimal (30%) and suboptimal (20%) protein levels were evaluated in Oreochromis niloticus. These were Diet I (Control)-fishmeal based diet at 30% crude protein, Diet II (Control) - fishmeal based diet at 20% crude protein, Diet III - hydrolysed Soybean Bran based diet at 30% crude protein, Diet IV - hydrolysed Soybean Bran based diet at 20%. Dry matter digestibility differed insignificantly with variation in diets (P<0.05). There was significant variation in the protein (p 20.05), lipid and ash digestibility. Protein was more digestible at optimum level than sub-optimum level, while lipid and ash digestibility did not vary with their inclusion levels. Variation in the utilisation of the diets was significant (P<0.05) except for survival. It was observed that the best diet was Diet 1, closely followed by Diet II with highest values of mean final weight, specific growth rate, protein efficiency ratio and the apparent net protein utilisation. The high digestibility values of Diets III and IV suggests their inclusion in fish diet to spare protein for growth

Effect of different feeding levels on the production of Heterobranchus bidorsalis in outdoor concrete tanks

Fry of Heterobranchus bidorsalis (mean weight, 0.03g) were fed at 10, 20, 30, 40 or 50% of their body weight (bw)/day in outdoor concrete tanks in New Bussa, Nigeria. The fry attained the highest average weight of 6.66g in 10 weeks when fed at 40% bw/day. Feed conversion ratio ranged from 2.13 to 9.65, the protein efficiency ratio from 1.33 to 5.93. Results indicated that H. bidorsalis are efficient feed converters. Feed intake was significantly different (p<0.05) between the treatments, specific growth rate (SGR), daily growth rate (DGR), production and average weight gain indicated that 40% of fish biomass was the optimum feeding level

The effect of replacement of soyabean meal with blood meal on the growth of mudfish Clarias anguillaris (L) fingerlings

Blood meal and full fat soyabean meal were mixed in different proportions to give 0%, 10%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 90% and 100% meal in the protein fraction of the diet and fed to Claria anguillaris fingerlings in floating hapas. The growth performance of the fingerlings were monitored for 84 days. At the end of the experiment the mean weight of the fingerlings increased in the level of blood meal up to 50% blood meal in the diet after which there was a decline in the mean weight of the fish. This same level of blood meal gave the best specific growth rate, feed conversion efficiency and protein efficiency ratio. Thus the nutritive value of blood meal was enhanced by the addition of an equal level of full fat soyabean meal in the diet