Optimal dietary protein level for juvenile southern rock lobster, Jasus edwardsii, at two lipid levels

By L. Ward, C.G Carter, B. Crear, D.M Smith. 2003

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This study determined the effect on growth efficiency, nutrient retention and apparent digestibility of varying dietary protein concentration and protein/energy ratio for juvenile southern rock lobster, Jasus edwardsii. Isoenergetic diets were formulated at six crude protein levels (5% increments between 24% and 50%) and at each of two lipid levels (5% and 9%). Duplicate groups of 10 lobsters (initial weight mean 3.58 SE 0.86 g) were held in 50-l tanks, in a recirculating seawater system at 18 degrees Celsius and fed to 95% satiation over a 12-week growth trial. There were significant ( P < 0.05) differences in apparent crude protein digestibility (76.4-83.2%), but no difference in dry matter (mean 59.1 SE 0.8%) or energy digestibility (mean 77.7 SE 0.8%). Survival, feed intake, digestive gland index, protein efficiency ratio, energy efficiency ratio and whole-body composition were not significantly affected by dietary treatment. The relationship between nutrient intake and weight gain indicated optimal dietary digestible crude protein (DCP) levels of 29% and 31% when lobsters were fed diets containing 5% and 9% lipid, respectively. For the two lipid levels studied, the optimal dietary protein/energy requirement was similar for maximum weight gain (29 gDCP/ MJ DE) and feed conversion ratio (FCR, 30 gDCP/MJ DE).

Subfields: Aquatic Science, Ecology, Global and Planetary Change

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