Performance of hybrid catfish subjected to different protein levels

Abstract

In this study, we investigated the performance of hybrid catfish (Pseudoplatystoma reticulatum x Leiarius marmoratus) fed with feeds containing 32% or 40% crude protein (CP). We analyzed the performance, yield in whole gutted fish, fillet yield and visceral fat index. The experimental units comprised 108 fish with average initial weights of 272.12 ± 74.71 g (32% CP) and 231.97 ± 87.70 g (40% CP). The experimental period was 182 days. Final weight, body height, body width, yield of whole gutted fish and visceral fat content differed (P<0.05) between treatments, with respective values of 1,016.63 g, 7.17 cm, 6.88 cm, 86.06% and 3.28% for the lower protein level; and 1,152.22 g, 7.67 cm, 7.27 cm, 84.44% and 4.81% for the higher protein level. The treatment with 40% CP promotes better performance of hybrid catfish. However, this treatment reduces the yield of whole gutted fish and increases the visceral fat index.