This study evaluated the effects of adding increasing levels of microbial phytase to diets on performance and carcass traits of silver catfish fingerlings (Rhamdia quelen). Two-hundred and eight silver catfish fingerlings (average initial weight: 2.92±0.59g) were randomly allotted to 4 treatments (0, 500, 1000 and 1500 phytase units kg-1 of diet) with 4 replications, in a completely randomized design. No animal protein was added to the diets. The experiment was conducted for 45 days and fish were fed twice daily. Effects of phytase on performance were measured each 15 days and carcass traits were evaluated at the end of trial. Increasing levels of phytase linearly improved weight gain, from 1.24±0.27g (no phytase) to 1.73±0.23g (1500PU kg-1 of diet) (P<0.05); and rate of specific growth, from 0.78±0.12% (no phytase) to 1.07±0.11% (1500PU kg-1 of diet) (P<0.05). However, ether extract of carcass was linearly reduced, from 13.54±0.02% (no phytase) to 10.59±0.10% (1500PU kg-1 of diet) (P<0.05). Increasing levels of dietary microbial phytase, up to 1500PU kg-1 of diet, improve performance and carcass traits of silver catfish fingerlings.
phytic acid; phosphorus; Rhamdia quelen
