Replacement of corn Zea mays by millet Pennisetum americanum in grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella fingerlings diets - DOI: 10.4025/actascibiolsci.v27i1.1365

Abstract

The present experiment was carried out to evaluate the effects of the replacement of corn Zea. Mays (0.00%; 33.00%; 66.67% e 100.00%) by millet P. americanum in grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella fingerlings diets, during a 45 days period. One hundred and twelve carp grass fingerlings (0.75 g) were used, distributed in 16 net ponds (160 L), in randomized blocks with four treatments and four replicates. Each block corresponded to one fiber cement tank (1000 L) with four net ponds. Each net pond containing seven grass carp fingerlings was considered one experimental unit. The variables evaluated were: mean weight, mean weight gain, mean length, outward feed conversion, condition factor and survival rate. Differences on the performance parameters of the animals were not observed. The average values of temperature, pH, electric conductivity and dissolved oxygen was 24.5th C ± 1.39; 7.51 ± 0.32; 0.16 ± 0.01 µS/cm and 6.04 ± 1.28 mg/L, respectively. Results show that the millet can be included in Ctenopharyngodon idella fingerlings diets up to 33.70%, replacing the corn completely, without affecting the performance of the fish