The effects of dietary protein and carbohydrates ratios (P: C) on growth and development of ovarian tissues in Asian walking catfish, Clarias magur (Hamilton, 1822)

Abstract

A 90-day experiment of different protein (CP) and carbohydrate CHO) levels in the diet of female Clarias magur broodstock with regard to growth, nutrient utilization and ovarian tissue development was carried out. Six different CP and CHO ratio based moist feed such as D1 (40:36), D2 (35:44), D3 (30:51), D4 (25:59), D5 (20:66) and D6 (15:74), were fed ad libitum to fish with respective treatments. Diets contains Low-protein–high-carbohydrate diet, i.e., below 30% CP and above 51% CHO experienced decreased weight gain percentage (WG%), specific growth rate (SGR), gonado-somatic index (GSI), hepato-somatic index (HSI) and increased feed conversion ratio (FCR) and protein efficiency ratio (PER). No significant differences (p>0.05) were found in WG%; SGR, GSI and HSI in D1, D2 and D3 fed groups. These data indicate that 35% CP and 44% CHO and above increased ovarian tissues, fecundity and for satisfactory growth required 30% CP and 51% CHO.