COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND BODY COMPOSITION IN Hypophthalmichthys molitrix AND Labeo rohita FED WITH RICE PROTEIN MEAL

Abstract

The present study evaluated the role of rice protein meal (RPM) as a cost-effective and widely available plant-based protein source in the diets of H. molitrix (Silver Carp) and L. rohita (Rohu). 360 fingerlings were randomly assigned to 18 aquaria (20 fingerlings/aquaria) after a 1-week of acclimation period. There were three-dietary groups, T0: control, T1:RPM5%, and T2:RPM10%, each with triplicates. The trial lasted for 60 days. Results showed that treatment T2 exhibited significantly higher (weight, Protein efficiency ratio, Specific growth rate) performance. T2 showed higher weight gain (3.53 ± 0.05a) compared to T0 and T1 in Rohu (P < 0.0001), and silver carp had significantly higher weight gain in T1 (2.42 ± 0.08b) and T2 (2.61 ± 0.09a) treatments compared to the T0 group (2.31±0.06c). In Rohu, PER and SGR were also observed to be higher (P < 0.001) in treatment groups, particularly in T2, than control group, and also observed comparable outcomes in silver carp. Proximate body composition analysis revealed that T2 had significantly (P < 0.05) higher moisture, crude protein, and ash content. Notably, Rohu in the T0 group exhibited higher crude fat levels; similarly, silver carp in T2 showed similar results. T2 was most effective in promoting sustainable growth and improving nutrient utilization in both species.

Keywords

• Silver Carp
• Rohu
• Rice Protein Meal
• Growth Parameter
• Body Composition