Evaluation of fungal single cell protein as aqua feed on carcass analysis and growth performance of Cirrhinus reba fingerlings

摘要

Abstract Single‐cell protein (SCP) is an affordable and non‐conventional source of protein, with a good blend of amino acids. This alternative protein source was used as a protein replacer of fish feed to bring down the feed manufacturing cost without compromising the nutritive values. SCP was used to formulate fish feed to observe the improvement in carcass composition and growth performance of fingerlings. In this present study, SCP was produced by filamentous fungi Aspergillius niger in glucose supplemented whey media (GWM) by submerged fermentation. Three isonitrogenous (30 protein) diets were formulated: C0A‐ Basal control diet, Ex1‐ experimental diet 1, replacing 10 protein of basal control diet by SCP and Ex2‐ experimental diet 2, replacing 20 protein of basal control diet by SCP. After 60 days of feeding trial on Cirrhinus reba fingerlings, an improvement of growth performance (Net weight gain, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency ratio, percentage survival rate) was observed between the experimental fingerlings. Analysis of fish carcass revealed that SCP fed fingerlings had a balanced amino acid and fatty acid profile, some essential vitamins and minerals. Thus, the protein part of aquafeed successfully replaced up to 20 by SCP, without any adverse effect on the carcass.