Dietary calcium requirements of bighead carp (Aristichthys nobilis)

To investigate dietary calcium requirement of bighead carp (Aristichthys nobilis), six purified diets were formulated to contain different concentrations (0.09% (control), 0.43%, 0.76%, 1.12%, 1.44%, and 1.79% dry diets). Each diet was hand-fed triplicate 30 fish with an average initial body weight (3.31 ± 0.09 g) for 60 days. The results showed that gain (WG) specific growth rate (SGR) significantly increased when level from 0.09% 0.76% (P < 0.05). phosphorus contents whole highest in the 1.12% group, respectively serum content group lower than those other groups As activities lipase proteinase intestine had a significant increase 0.05), while glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) pyruvic (GPT) decreased Based on quadratic curve model analysis WG WGR as appraising criteria, appropriate larvae 1.01% - 1.02%.