Effect of fish meal replacement with sunflower meal on growth indices and body composition of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) fingerlings

• Published in: Iranian scientific fisheries journal Vol. 26; no. 2; pp. 25 - 35
• Main Authors: Javid Rahmdel, K, Allaf Noveirian, H, Falahatkar, B, Babakhani Lashkan, A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Persian
• Published: Iranian Fisheries Research Organization 01.01.2017
• Subjects: Cyprinus carpio; Freshwater; Substitution; Plant ingredients; Protein utilization; Cyprinids
• ISSN: 1026-1354; 2322-5998

The present study was conducted to determine the effect of fish meal replacement with sunflower meal on growth performance, feed efficiency and body proximate composition of common carp fingerlings. Five experimental diets with replacement levels of 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% of fish meal with sunflower meal were formulated with equal protein, fat and energy contents. Fish meal proportion of control diet was 28%. Fish with average weight of 3.03 plus or minus 0.36 g were distributed in 15 fiberglass tanks. After 10 weeks of feeding by experimental diets, growth performance and feed efficiency were evaluated and 6 fish per tank were taken for body composition analysis. According to the results, highest final weight was derived in 25% treatment (p<0.05), although differences in 50 and 75% were not significant compared to control (p>0.05), but in 100% treatment significant decline in growth and feed efficiency was observed (p<0.05). Also, there was significant difference in body composition including moisture, protein and fat (p<0.05), but ash content showed no significant difference (p>0.05) among treatments. Results of this study showed, it is possible to replace fish meal with sunflower meal up to 75% in common carp fingerlings diet without negative impacts on growth performance, feed efficiency and body composition.