<b>Sources and levels of crude protein in diets for oscar juveniles (<em>Astronotus ocellatus</em>)</b> - DOI: 10.4025/actascianimsci.v28i4.611

Abstract

Nine experimental diets combining levels of substitution (0 , 50 and 100%) of the fish meal by soybean meal , with three levels of crude protein (28 , 30 and 32%) were supplied for oscar juveniles (22.42 g) during 84 days. The total replacement of fish meal by soybean meal inhibited the feed consumption and negatively affected (p < 0.05) the survival, weight gain and condition factor. Fish fed with the diet containing only soybean meal the hepatosomatic index, intraperitoneal fat ratio, liver lipid and muscle lipid were smaller (p < 0.05). The weight gain was better (p < 0.05) in the fish fed with the diet containing 32% of crude protein. The hepatosomatic index was bigger (p < 0.01) for the fish feed with the diet containing 28% of crude protein. Fish meal can be partially replaced in 50% by soybean meal. The best performance was obtained with the diet containing 32% of crude protein.