Comparative Effect of Varied Dietary Plant Protein Sources on Growth Performance of Rohu (<i>Labeo rohita Hamilton</i>)

Abstract

Rohu fingerlings (average weight 5.24 ± 0.46 g) were reared for 8 weeks on four totally plant protein based test diets of which control diet (T-I) consisted of soybean meal, groundnut cake and rice bran. In other three diets, mustard cake (roasted) was incorporated at 3 different proportions replacing soybean meal and groundnut oil cake. The fishes were maintained in triplicate treatment groups having 10 fishes in each in a flow-through system fitted with fiber glass tanks (60 I capacity) with a flow rate of 1.5 1/h. Stored ground water was used for fish rearing. The diets were isonitrogenous and isoenergetic. The growth performance was significantly higher (P < 0.01) in T-I; there was no difference in growth between T-2 and T-3 groups, and growth performance was significantly lower in T-4 groups. The feed cost (Rs/kg) were 9.15, 8.50, 8.10 and 7.90, respectively for T-1, T-2, T-3 and T-4. It may be concluded that roasted mustard cake can be incorporated up to 35 per cent (w /w) in carp diet.