Abstract

KLEIN, S. et al. Levels of crude protein in diets for pacu (piaractus mesopotamicus) from 150 to 400g reared in cages. Arch. zootec. [online]. 2014, vol.63, n.244, pp.599-610. ISSN 1885-4494.  https://dx.doi.org/10.4321/S0004-05922014000400004.

A limiting factor in the production of aquatic organisms refers to the formulation of low cost diets with protein sources that meet the nutritional requirements of animals. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the growth performance of reared caged pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus) in the itaipu reservoir. Fish with an average initial weight of 150.5 ± 2.1 g were randomly distributed in 20 cages (100 fish/cage) and fed one of five levels of crude protein (CP) (18.5, 20.7, 23.7, 25.6, and 28.3 %), three times a day until apparent satiety. Growth performance, muscle composition and hematological profile were evaluated. A quadratic effect was observed (p<0.05) on the average final weight and average weight gain. A linear effect was observed on the feed conversion rates, moisture and muscle fat. The results from the carcass yield and hematological profiles did not present differences (p>0.05). The derivation of the equations indicated that the required percentage of CP in the diet for juvenile pacus was 25.8 %. Therefore, it is recommended that pacu diets should be formulated with approximately 26 % CP to ensure optimal growth performances.

Keywords : Native species; Intensive system; Fish nutrition; Nutritional requirements; Juveniles.

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