Growth and Feed Utilization Efficiency of Osteobrama belangeri Fed Diets Containing Different Levels of Protein

Abstract

Osteobrama bdayjgeri (Valenciennes), having mean initial body weight of 5.44±0.01g were fed different pelleted diets containing, 20%, 25%, 30%, 40% and 50% crude protein. Fish meal was used as the source of protein. Growth performance and feed utilization efficiency of diets containing 30-40% protein were satisfactory. Best results were observed with diet containing 40% protein, with a daily average weight gain of 0.161 g. There was no improvement in the growth and carcass protein content of fishes fed 50% protein compared to the fish fed 40% protein. The increase in body weight was proportional to the protein content in diet.