Carcass composition of Red-bellied pacu (Piaractus brachypomus) fed with different dietary protein sources

Abstract

The study was conducted to evaluate the combined effects of various dietary protein sources on the carcass composition of Piaractus brachypomus. Fish were fed twice daily with nine diets prepared with GNC, FM and CSM each varying in protein content (20%, 25% and 30%) and their growth rate and proximate composition were recorded for comparison. Carcass composition of P. brachypomus showed, the highest protein content in pacu fed with FM30 diet (61.3%). Lowest protein was found in the initial sampling (55.5%). Highest ether extract was recorded in initial sampling fed (19.58%). Lowest ether extract was found in FM30 (19.10%). Ash content was high in fish fed with FM20 and FM30 diet (17.3%) and low during initial sampling (17.08%). There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) observed in proximate composition among the treatments regarding moisture, crude protein, ether extract and total ash.