Effect of formulated diets on the growth and ovarian maturation in common carp Cyprinus carpio (!ommunis Linn.

Abstract

Growth and gonadial maturity of common carp, Cyrpinus carpio communis Linn. Fed on four practical diets containing fish meal and solvent extracted soyabean meal, ground nut oil cake, mustard oil cake and rice bran along with minerals were studied. In a six months feeding trial, significantly higher growth was recorded in fish fed on diet having 34 and 38% protein than those fed on 31% protein. However, the ovarian maturation in terms of fecundity and gonadosomatic index was significantly higher in fish fed with 31% protein diet. The study revealed that under field conditions, where the natural food (plankton) is present to meet the minimum feeding requirements offish, higher protein (more than 30%) diet is not needed for maturing fish but for growth achievement, higher protein level may be advantageous