Response of Genetically Improved Heterobranchus Longifilis Juveniles to Different Diets Containing Beniseed Meal and Extruded Soybean Meal

Abstract

Three isoproteic 35% crude protein diets were formulated with same basal ingredients and ranging levels of extruded soybean, beniseed and yellow maize meals and fed at 5% body weight to groups of genetically improved Heterobranchus longifilis juveniles of mean weight 79.57± 0.365g in nine out door concrete tanks each measuring 2x2x1m³. The tanks were filled to 2/3 of their holding capacity with water fertilized with poultry manure 2 weeks prior to the commencement of the experiment. Growth and nutrient utilization indices; %Weight Gain (WG), Specific Growth Rate (SGR), Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) and Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER), and water quality parameters; pH, Dissolved oxygen and Temperature were monitored for 56 days. The best growth and nutrient utilization values were observed in beniseed based diet with a significantly high values (P≤0.05) for WG, SGR FCR, and PER. The high methionine content of beniseed meal coupled with the abundant lipids having a good array of polyunsaturated fatty acids were suggested as possible reasons for the better growth performance of the beniseed based diet.


Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management Vol. 8 (2) 2004: 29-33