Evaluation of Different Salinity Levels on Growth Performance and Proximate Composition of WALLAGO ATTU

Abstract

The study was conducted to determine the optimum level of salinity tolerance on the growth performance and proximate composition of Wallago attu fed with tilapia meat. The experimental fish were collected from River Chenab district Muzaffargarh and acclimatized for 14 days in freshwater before the experiment began. The fish were divided into five treatments: T1, T2, and T3 with salinity levels 4, 8 and 12-ppt respectively with a control group (T0) in freshwater. Each treatment had one replicate and fish were stocked at a density of 5 fish’s/aquarium in the Laboratory. Fish were fed 5% of their body weight with tilapia meat and water was exchanged regularly after every alternate day. The present study indicates the highest survival rate at 12-ppt and mortality was observed beyond this point. Non-significant changes in growth parameters viz; Feed intake, Feed conversion ratio, and Weight gain, were found in treatments and the control group. Additionally, proximate composition (moisture, ash content, protein and fat) showed significant changes (P<0.005) in groups. Water quality parameters were found within the acceptable range during the study period. The result suggests that W. attu is a suitable species for rearing in harsh water earthen lakes and emphasizes the importance of considering salinity levels and leads to innovation in sustainable aquaculture practices.