Effects of dietary protein and lipid levels on growth, feed utilization and body composition of juvenile snubnose pompano (Trachinotus blochii)

The study aimed to determine dietary protein and lipid requirements for Trachinotus blochii juvenile. The experiment was consisted of two factors: four protein levels (35%, 40%, 45%, 50%) and 3 lipid levels (6%, 9%, 12%). The fish were initially stocked in tanks at the density of 30 inds tank-1. T. blochii survival was not significantly affected by dietary protein or lipid (98.3-100%). The growth increased with increasing protein levels and peaking at 50% protein. The best growth rates and feed efficiency were observed in the diet containing 9% lipid. Dietary lipid from 9 to 12% did not induce protein-sparing action. The hepatic somatic index (HSI) and the visceral somatic index (VSI) decreased with increasing dietary protein content. The results highlight that diets containing 50% protein and 9% lipids are suitable for the optimal nursing of T. blochii juveniles.