P.K.Lashari, H.B.Khoso, M.Y.Laghari and N.T.Narejo
Department of Fresh Water Biology and Fisheries,
University of Sindh Jamshoro, Pakistan
To prepare low-cost quality fish feed for the growth and survival of major carps. An experiment was conducted in 10 glass aquaria (size 90 30 cm) for a period of six months starting from March to August 2008. Five fish of each species (Labeo rohita, Catla catla and Cirrhinus mrigala), in total 15 fish of same age group, with mean initial length and weight of 5.5 1.40 cm and 6.4 1.6 g respectively were assigned to each aquaria. 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 low-cost feed with 35% gross protein found to be suitable for the better growth and production of major carps. The cost of feed A, B and C were Rs. 20.60/kg, Rs. 20.50/kg and Rs. 20.0/kg respectively. The water quality parameters were recorded throughout the study period and were found with in the suitable ranges of fish culture.
Key Words: Low Cost fish feed, indigenous raw materials, carp fishes, feed cost.
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