Abstract

Fingerlings of Heterobranchus bidorsalis were fed six isocaloric diets at different crude protein levels at 5% of body weight to determine the growth performance. Growth rate and weight gain increased progressively with dietary protein level to a maximum at 40%. Significant differences (p<0.05) were recorded for the growth indices. The nutrient utilization parameters had variable results among the treatments. There was no significant difference in apparent feed conversion ratio and the nitrogen metabolism but apparent protein efficiency ratio showed significant variations. The overall results indicated that fish fed 40% dietary protein diet performed best in weight gain, food conversion ratio and nitrogen metabolism.

Key words: Dietary protein, growth performance, Heterobranchus bidorsalis.