Effect of pelleted feed on the performance of Etrophts suratensis

A 98 days feeding trial was conducted to assess the effect of different types of feeds on the growth of pearlspot (Etroplus suratensis) juveniles. 375 fish divided into 5 equal groups (3 replicates, each containing 25 fish) were offered feed either as pellets (P₁, P₂ or P₃) or mash (M) form. The 5th group (P₀) was not offered any feed. The mash was soaked in the water and was offered as dough. The body weight gain and average daily gain was higher (P<0.01) in P₂ as compared to that of P₃ which was significantly higher than that of P whereas lowest in P₀ group. Final body length was higher (P<0.01) in P₂ than that of P₁, M and P₀ group. OM and CP digestibilities were low (P<0.01) in M as compared to other groups. EE digestibility and feed conversion ratio were high (P<0.05) in P₁ and P₂ groups as compared to that of P₃ and M groups. The result indicated that supplementation of feed was required for better growth of Etroplus suratensis and pellet form of feed was utilized efficiently than that of mash feed. Among the pellets, P₂ showed better performance than that of P₁ and P₃.