Replacement of Fishmeal by Rapeseed Protein Concentrate in Diets for Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio L.)

The potential of rapeseed protein concentrate as an alternative to fishmeal in diets for common carp (initial average weight 26.7±0.8 g) was evaluated. Triplicate groups of fish were fed isonitrogenous (40.4±0.2% crude protein) and isocaloric (21.4±0.1 kJ/g) experimental diets with 0%, 33%, 66%, or 100% replacement of fishmeal by rapeseed protein concentrate. At the end of the 56-day feeding period, growth parameters and feed efficiencies did not significantly differ between fish fed the 0% and 33% diets. The 66% and 100% replacement diets led to reduced feed intake and feed efficiency, resulting in lower growth performance. It appears that the taste and amino acid profile of these diets were negatively affected by the high inclusion levels of rapeseed protein concentrate. In conclusion, rapeseed protein concentrate can effectively replace 33% of the fishmeal in diets for carp without using palatability enhancers or amino acid supplements. The IJA appears exclusively as a peer-reviewed on-line open access journal at http://www.siamb.org.il Sale of IJA papers is strictly forbidden.