Effect of alternate protein supplements on the performance of clarias batrachus

The study was conducted to assess the impact of different supplementary diets on the growth and survival of fingerlings of Indian magur, Clarias batrachus. Six diets containing different combinations of rice bran, mustard cake, fish meal, soybean meal and meat cum bone meal were offered for 90 days. Significantly (P<0.05) higher body length and weight was observed in fish fed diet containing equal proportion of rice bran, mustard cake, soybean meal and meat cum bone meal. Likewise, Specific growth rate (SGR) was also significantly (P<0.05) higher in diet D₆ whereas protein efficiency ratio (PER) was maximum in fish fed diet containing equal proportion of rice bran, mustard cake, fish meal and meat cum bone meal. No significant differences were observed in water quality parameters. It was concluded that fish meal could be replaced up to 50% with soybean meal and meat cum bone meal in diet of Clarias batrachus.