EFFECT OF DIFFERENT PROTEIN ON GROWTH AND SURVIVAL OF CATLA CATLA (HAMILTON) REARED IN GLASS AQUARIA

Abstract

To study the effect of different protein levels on growth and survival of Catla catla (Hamilton) reared in glass aquaria during May to August 2009. Three iso-caloric feeds were formulated with locally available ingredients (rice protein, rice bran and wheat bran) of different protein levels such as 30%, 35% and 40% (dietary protein levels) of 2 mm dia were prepared with the help of manually operated pellet machine. The feed ingredients were tested for proximate (bio-chemical composition) analysis according to the methods given in AOAC (1980) and found 13%, 12% and 40% protein respectively. Each feed was supplied at a rate of 8% of the body weight of fish twice a day. The results of the various growth parameters like suitability of protein level requirement, specific growth rate, mean total weight gain, percentage weight gain, feed conversion ratio, survival rate and production of the experimental fish showed significantly (p<0.05) highest growth and production was observed in feed B followed by feed C while significantly (p<0.05) lowest growth and production was recorded from feed A. It is therefore concluded that the feed with 35% protein found to be suitable for the better growth and production of Catla catla.