Performance of juvenile carp-grass (Ctenopharyngodon idella) fed with different tropical forages

Abstract

The objective of this study was evaluated the effect of different tropical forages in the feeding of juvenile grass carp, the treatments were: elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum); coloniao grass (Panicum maximum); tifton grass (Cynodon dactylon) and Brachiaria sp, being the first three ensilad and the last in natura. All the experimental treatments were supplemented with an experimental pelletized ration with 30% CP and 3000 kcal/ digestively energy /kg in the proportion of 10% of the alive weight. Significant difference was not observed in the chemical composition of forages appraised. There was no difference (P>0,05) of the weight gain in the juveniles fed with Brachiaria sp., coloniao or elephant grass. However, the silage of tifton grass provided (P <0,05) larger weight earnings. The results demonstrate the good potential of tifton grass in the grass use in feed-grass cover, it provides higher weight gain.