Gain in weight in tadpoles of Rana catesbeiana Shaw, 1802, under different quantities of food in an autdoor facility (intensive culture)

Abstract

In the experimental outdoor facility planned for frog culture in the Fisheries Station of Pindamonhangaba, São Paulo State, Brazil (22°55'55"S and 45°27'22"W), the effect of the daily quantity of food on the gain in weight in tadpoles of bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana Shaw, 1802) was studied. The food utilized was a commercial one for pigs (36% of protein). The quantities of food were 9%, 12%, 15% and 18% of the body weight, being weekly readjusted. During the experimental period (6/10 through 2/12/83), the animaIs were kept in tanks of brick and cement of the same dimensions. The treatment which revealed the most favorable result was 18% of body weight in food.