Impact of Dietary Protein on Growth, Feed utilization and Body composition of Puntius parrah

Abstract

The juveniles of Puntius parrah were fed with fishmeal based protein diets at concentrations of 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% by weight for a period of 120 days in cement cisterns. Protein diet at 50% produced superior growth, maximum food consumption, high conversiorf efficiency and better protein digestibility. Digestive enzyme activity and RNA/ DNA ratio were higher in 50% protein diet fed fish. The total dry matter and protein content of the body showed high values in the fish fed with 50% protein diet. 50% protein diet is found optimum for growth enhancement in Puntius parrah