Effect of dietary protein content on growth, food conversion and body composition of tilapia Oreochromis niloticus fingerlings fed fish meal diet.

摘要

The effect of dietary protein content on selected nutritional parameters of O. niloticus fingerlings was studied. Eight diets varying in protein content (7.30-44.24% DM) were tested. Specific growth rates and body protein content increased with higher dietary protein. Beyond 33.32%, a gradual decline was observed. The diet containing 33.32% dietary protein with a protein: energy ratio of 16.26 mg/kJ appeared to be the optimal protein diet for this species. Feed conversion ratio was lowest at this protein level resulting in highest growth rate. Body ash did not vary with dietary protein supplied.