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Effects of Fishmeal Based Diet on Growth and Food Conversion Ratio (fcr) of Asian Catfish (clarias Batrachus) Fingerlings

K. Ahmed
Fisheries Division, BARC, Farmgate, Dhaka-12IS, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

The crude protein requirement of hatchery raised fingerlings of Asian catfish, Clarias batrachus, was determined. Four fishmeal based formulated diets, with crude protein levels of 30 to 45%, were tested under laboratory condition at ambient water temperature of 27-28°C. It was found that growth performance was best (p<0.01 ) at 40% dietary protein level.

Keywords: Fishmeal, Growth and Food conversion ratio, Asian catfish, Fingerlings

Location: Madina Fisheries and Hatchery Complex, Dohar, Dhaka

Start Date: 01-06-2000

End Date: 31-08-2000

Program Area: Animal Health and Management

Commodity: Cat fish

Objectives:

To develop fishmeal based diet/diets for optimum growth performance of C. batrachus fingerlings.

Methodology:

The experiment was conducted for a period of 40 days between June and August 2000 in a carp/catfish hatchery (Madina Fisheries and Hatchery Complex, Dohar, Dhaka, Bangladesh) located between 24°5'N and 90°'5 E. The catfish (C. batrachus) fingerlings were collected from the hatchery's own nursery ponds. Four fishmeal based diets with different protein levels viz., T₁ (30%), T₂ (35%), T₃ (40%) and T₄ (45%) were tested. Completely randomized design (CRD), having 4 treatments each with 3 replications, was followed. A total of 12 metallic trays (2.0m x 0.5m x 0.30m; 300-1 capacity) were used for the experiment. The trays were arranged serially. One hundred (100) C. batrachus fingerlings (2.20 to 2.60 g) were held in each tray. The trays were supplied with ground water, half the water of each tray was exchanged everyday with fresh ground water. Prior to the start of actual experiment, the fish fingerlings were conditioned to rearing environment for a period one week. Oxygen level in the rearing system was maintained at around 5.5 mg/1 by aeration/water exchange. The experimental fishes were fed twice a day @ 8% body weight at 10.00 AM and 8.00 PM. The experimental diets were administered in pelleted form. The diets were fortified with DCP (Dicalcium phosphate), salt (NaCI), vitamin premix, and trace elements to meet the nutritional needs of the fish. Proximate analyses of ingredients and the formulated diets (Table 4 and 5) were done in BCSIR laboratory, Dhaka, following standard methods (AOAC, 1980). On termination of experiment, the experimental fishes were weighted, and recorded treatment wise. Specific growth rate was calculated by using the formula: SGR = 1n W₂ - 1n W₂_–1n W₁/T₂ - T₁ x 100; Where, W₂ = Final live body weight (g), W₁ = Initial live body weight (g), T₂ - T₁ = Duration of the experiment (day) (Brown, 1957). The food conversion ratio (FCR) was calculated by employing the formula, FCR = Mass of food consumed (day)/Increased mass of animal produced (wet). All collected data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with the help of statistical software SPSS (version 7.5) on a computer to examine the effects of different levels of dietary protein on growth and food conversion ratio (FCR). To find out the most favourable treatments, the sample means were separated by Duncun's New Multiple Range Test (DMRT).

Source of Information: Bangladesh J. of Agriculture, Vol. 27 & 28, pp. 01-05, 2002 & 2003, ISSN - 0253-5408

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

In the present study, C. batrachus fingerling achieved highest growth (weight gain and SGRR) and lowest FCR in diet containing 40% protein. The reason for such high growth and low FCR under this level of protein (40%) was perhaps that the protein requirement of this fish is species specific. According to Lovell (1980) protein requirement of fish is species specific and fish fingerling has higher protein requirements during early growth stages than during later phase of their growth. De-Silva and Anderson (1990) described optimum protein requirement for nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) as 30%. Watanabe et al., (1983) reported optimum protein level for red sea bream, Pagrus major, as 45%. According to Wilson and Halver (1986), formulated feed must meet the nutritional requirements of the cultured organism at different stages of their life cycle. In the present study fishmeal was used as one of the main ingredient of feeds. Furuchi (1980) reported that quality animal protein, particularly fishmeal, constitute good quality fish diet. Top quality fishmeal rich in energy and mineral is highly digestible and palatable to most fishes (Lovell 1981; Wilson and Halver, 1986). Most plant materials are deficient in certain amino acid (New and Singholka, 1982). In the present study, diet with 40% protein level (T₃) is mainly based on fishmeal and mustard oil cake, thus it served the protein requirement of both animal and plant origin and, therefore, balanced the need of essential amino acids (methionine and lysine) in the diet, which ultimately gave the highest growth and lowest FCR. Considering the above, incorporation of fishmeal in the diet of Asian catfish (c. batrachus) fingerlings is, therefore, recommended.

Knowledge Management: Journal