Impact of Graded Levels of Dietary Protein on Elemental Concentration of Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia (GIFT) from Pakistan
Impact of Graded Levels of Dietary Protein on Elemental Concentration of Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia (GIFT) from Pakistan
Anila Kousar, Muhammad Naeem*, Samrah Masud, Abir Ishtiaq, Zara Naeem and Rabia Iqbal
ABSTRACT
The present investigation conducted in 90 days feeding trial evaluated the effect of three dietary protein feeds (15% CP, 20%CP, 25%CP) composed of plant protein ingredients, on elemental concentration in Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia (GIFT) fingerlings, a developed strain of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Feed preparation criteria was based on cost effectiveness and local availability of cheaper plant protein feed ingredients. Ten specimens were randomly selected from each treatment hapa for evaluating the concentrations of selected essential and non-essential elements in GIFT fingerlings fed with dietary protein levels of 15% (T1), 20% (T2) and 25% (T3) crude protein. Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometer was used for the analysis of whole-body elemental concentrations in relation to fish size under the influence of various dietary protein levels. The concentrations of K, Na, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Pb and Cd were quantified for T1, T2 and T3 fish samples. An increasing trend was observed in the concentrations of studied elements with the increase of dietary crude protein in fish feed. The elemental concentration in the carcasses of studied GIFT yielded similar accumulation pattern for three treatment groups T1, T2 and T3, i.e., K > Na > Ca > Mg > Fe > Zn > Pb > Cd. Linear and multiple regression was applied to check the significance of accumulated elements. The relationship among the element concentrations and weight and length of fishes was also examined. A positive association between the elements and weight and length of the sampled fish was noted except for Fe in T1 with body weight. A common trend of positive and negative allometry was observed for most of the elemental concentrations with wet body weight and total length respectively. The level of non-essential toxic elements, Cd and Pb, did not exceed the permitted levels of international standard.
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