Effect of dietary protein on the growth of mullet, Chelon labrosus, reared in sea cages

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to obtain preliminary data on the effect of dietary protein on the growth of the thick-lipped grey mullet (Chelon labrosus) juveniles reared in net sea-cages. The juveniles (6.2 ± 0.61 g) were obtained from the wild and were stocked into net sea-cages at a stocking rate of 100 juveniles per cubic meter and fed with experimental diets including 25, 30, or 35% crude protein for 87 days. The highest mean weight and specific growth rate (SGR) were 39.5 g and 2.13% day−1, respectively, at protein levels of 30%. The diet also resulted in the most efficient feed conversion ratio of 1.61.

Keywords

• Chelon labrosus
• dietary protein
• growth
• cage culture