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Abstract
A 4-week long feeding experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of different protein levels of quality Tilapia (O.
niloticus) fry production in Agro-3 Fish Hatchery and Culture Farm, Boilor, Trishal, Mymensingh. Four days old 1247
fry (length 0.8 cm and weight 0.012 g) were stocked at the density of 1560/m2 in twelve synthetic hapas. Four
different treatments (T1, T2, T3 and T4) in three replications were used having different level of protein containing diets
(T1=35.95%, T2=40.43%, T3=45.61% and T4=50.85%) in the experiment. Feeds were supplied to fry at 4 h intervals
during 24 h cycle upto satiation level. Sampling was done at 7 days interval throughout the experiment. The best
growth was obtained at 35.95% protein level in T1 treatment. Therefore, a follow up second experiment with feeds
having protein levels 30.12%, 33.42%, 36.19% and 39.01% encircling the best performed diet (35.95% protein) of the
first experiment was conducted. Significantly (P<0.05) higher mean weight gain (g), SGR (%/day), PER, survival rate
(%) and lower FCR value were found at 36.19% protein containing diet. Thus, from the results of the two experiments
conducted in two consecutive years it can be said that the feed containing approximately 36% protein is the best for
the production of quality tilapia fry. If farmers use 36% protein instead of 40% then it will be more economic because
fish meal is costly. Further experiment can be carried with feed containing 36% protein from cheaper ingredients
other than fish meal to reduce the feed cost.