Evaluation of Partial Replacement of Fishmeal with Selected Feed Ingredients on Growth and Survival of Grey Mullet [Mugil cephalus (Linnaeus, 1758)]
Bharat A. Kandoriya *
Department of Aquaculture, College of Fisheries Science, Kamdhenu University, Veraval-362265, India.
K. H. Vadher
Department of Aquaculture, College of Fisheries Science, Kamdhenu University, Navsari- 396424, India.
S. R. Lende
Centre of Excellence in Aquaculture, Kamdhenu University, Ukai- 394670, India.
Mogalekar H.S.
Department of Aquatic Environment Management, College of Fisheries (Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University), Dholi, Bihar - 843 121, India.
Milind B. Katare
Krishi vigyan Kendra East Siang, Central Agricultural University (I) Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh -791102, Arunachal Pradesh, India.
Vishal K. Solanki
Department of Aquaculture, College of Fisheries Science, Kamdhenu University, Veraval-362265, India.
Rushirajsinh Rana
Department of Aquaculture, College of Fisheries Science, Kamdhenu University, Veraval-362265, India.
Siddharth B. Patel
Department of Aquaculture, College of Fisheries Science, Kamdhenu University, Veraval-362265, India.
Kishan V. Sakariya
Department of Aquaculture, College of Fisheries Science, Kamdhenu University, Veraval-362265, India.
Kuldip G. Pithiya
Department of Aquaculture, College of Fisheries Science, Kamdhenu University, Himmatnagar-383010, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Coastal aquaculture is primarily focused on shrimp and select marine finfish species. Among these, the grey mullet (Mugil cephalus) is recognized as a promising species due to its wide distribution, adaptability, and commercial value. The present study was aimed to evaluate the effect of partial replacement of fishmeal with selected feed ingredients on growth and survival in Mugil cephalus. The experiment was conducted for 90 days. The experiment designed in completely randomised design (CRD) with five treatments and each treatment with four replications. Treatment T0 represents control diet contain 100% fishmeal protein, treatment T1 represent 50% fishmeal protein and 50% acetes meal protein, treatment T2 represents 50% fishmeal protein and 50% BSF (Black Soldier Fly) meal protein, treatment T3 represent 50% fishmeal protein and 50% clam meal protein and treatment T4 represent 50% fishmeal protein and 50% poultry byproduct meal protein. Fish with a mean weight of 2.68 to 2.71 g were stocked at a density of 10 nos. /aquarium in all 20 aquaria and were fed three times per day. The findings distinctly highlight the significant (p<0.05) enhancements observed in growth and survival incorporating BSF as a feed ingredient in treatment T2. Moreover, both acetes (treatment T1) and the control diet (treatment T0) demonstrated improved performance in comparison to diets formulated with clam (treatment T3) and poultry byproduct (treatment T4). From the results of present study, it can be concluded that the incorporation of BSF and acetes can be beneficial to improve growth performance and survival rate in M. cephalus. The study underscores the potential of insect-based and small crustacean meals to partially replace conventional fishmeal without compromising growth performance or survival, highlighting their applicability in sustainable aquaculture practices.
Keywords: Mugil cephalus, fishmeal replacement, BSF (Black Soldier Fly meal), acetes meal, poultry byproduct and clam meal