Protein Sparing Effect and the Efficiency of Different Compositions of Carbohydrates, Lipids and Proteins on the Growth of Rohu (Labeo rohita) Fingerlings

This study was aimed to evaluate the efficiency of three experimental feeds, given to three groups of rohu (Labeo rohita) fingerlings, reared in cemented tanks for 45 days. One group of fishes (control group) was fed with hatchery feed; and growth of this group was compared with the other experimental groups. In all the three experimental groups the protein level was kept below the required level and almost equal, while carbohydrate and lipids level were kept above the required level to study the protein sparing effect of both of these, especially of the lipids. The important water parameters which influence the physiology of fishes were also taken into consideration and were properly monitored throughout the experimental duration. The growth of fishes was checked after every 15 days hence an overall of three readings were made. As the growth and efficiency of fishes are reflected by the FCR (Food Conversion Ratio), therefore, the FCR of fishes were also recorded at each reading (at every 15 days after stocking). The mean FCR recorded for each tank was, control group 4.7±0.53 feed 1 (3.86±0.14) feed 2 (3.2±0.04) feed 3 (3.0±0.12) respectively. The result obtained from this study reveals that the composition of feed 3 is relatively more suitable for fingerlings of Rohu as it has shown lowest FCR. The hatchery food produced highest FCR and hence will be less efficient. Among the three experimental feeds, feed 3 had a good protein sparing effect.