Effects of dietary protein and lipid levels on growth and body composition of silver dollar (Metynnis schreitmuellerei) fry

Abstract

The aims of this study were to determine the effects of different levels of protein and lipid on the growth and body composition of fry of the silver dollar, Metynnis schreitmuelleri (Ahl). The fry were first fed diets containing 25, 35, 45, or 55% protein to determine the optimum protein level. The best growth, body composition, protein efficiency ratio, and food conversion ratio were obtained with the 35% protein diet. The fry were next fed diets containing 35% protein and 0, 3, 6, 9, or 12% lipid. The best growth, body composition, protein efficiency ratio, and food conver- sion ratio occurred with the diet containing 35% protein and 6% lipid.