Open AccessProtein requirement for maintenance and maximum growth of two‐banded seabream ( Diplodus vulgaris ) juveniles
Author(s) -
OZÓRIO R.O.A.,
VALENTE L.M.P.,
CORREIA S.,
POUSÃOFERREIRA P.,
DAMASCENOOLIVEIRA A.,
ESCÓRCIO C.,
OLIVATELES A.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
aquaculture nutrition
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.941
H-Index - 79
eISSN - 1365-2095
pISSN - 1353-5773
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2095.2008.00570.x
Subject(s) - biology , diplodus , zoology , feed conversion ratio , nutrient , aquaculture , body weight , dietary protein , protein requirement , weight gain , fish <actinopterygii> , fishery , food science , endocrinology , ecology
The effects of various dietary protein levels on growth performance, whole body composition and nutrient utilization were studied in two‐banded sea bream ( Diplodus vulgaris ), a candidate species for aquaculture. Fish (initial weight 6.1 g) were fed to satiety six iso‐energetic diets, containing 5%, 12.5%, 25%, 35%, 45% or 55% of crude protein during 72 days. Fish fed 35% and 45% protein attained better growth and feed utilization than the other groups ( P < 0.05). Daily growth index and feed conversion ratio were the poorest for fish fed 5% and 12.5% protein ( P < 0.001), while the 25% and 55% protein groups had intermediate performance. Lipid retention increased significantly from 13.7% to 30.1% ( P < 0.0001) and protein retention decreased from 35.5% to 21.3% ( P < 0.01) with increasing protein levels from 12.5% to 45%. Muscle protein, lipid and energy concentrations were not significantly affected by dietary protein level. The estimated protein requirement for maintenance and maximum growth of two‐banded seabream growing from 6 to 20 g were 7.5% and 35.7%, respectively. Protein requirements as calculated from body protein gain were 2.3 and 6.5 g of protein intake per kilogram body weight per day.