Juvenile bluegill ( <i>Lepomis macrochirus</i> ) can be fed diets without marine fish meal without adverse effects on growth, survival, diet utilization, and body composition

There has been an increasing global demand for large bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) to supply the food-fish market. Current diets resemble those largemouth bass and contain a high percentage of marine fish meal (FM). Research into use alternative protein ingredients need be conducted not only conserve finite resources, but reduce cost expand We evaluated growth, survival body composition fed in which FM was partially or totally replaced by various combinations soybean meal, poultry by-product canola soy concentrate, wheat gluten commercial blend (Pro-Cision™). Seven isonitrogenous (40% protein), isolipidic (11%) isocaloric (17.1 kJ/g) were formulated meet known nutrient energy requirements using centrarchid availability data most dietary ingredients. One test consisted exclusively plant sources. Juvenile (9.1 g initial weight) reared recirculating aquaculture system (3 tanks/diet; 20 fish/tank) once daily satiation 70-day. The percentages SBM, PBM and/or protein-blended product (Pro-Cision) completely resulted similar growth performance, feed efficiency juvenile compared containing 30% FM. However, as formulated, all-plant diet reduced growth. Mean performance rankings based on response measures along with differences essential levels (i.e. amino acids, P starch) provided some insight subtle among diets. It appears that can meal-free without production (growth) if animal-source (PBM Pro-Cision) are added; however, this feeding trial, Further study formulating is warranted.