Productivity and Meat Nutrient in Fish: The Diet Effect

Meat quality of carp varies by age and rearing system as well as feed consumed. The aim of the study was to determine the impact of the diet on the survival rate, yield per unit of area, chemical composition, the amount of total cholesterol and fatty acid profile of two-year old common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) reared in the basic culture systems. Fish were grown in the similar ponds and subjected to 1 of 3 feeding systems: only natural food (extensive system), supplemental grain (semi-intensive system), and extruded formula consisting of soybean, sunflower kernel, wheat flour, corn and brewery yeast (intensive system). Feeding extruded formula doubled production per hectare of pond surface area, compared with feeding supplemental grain and almost thrice compared with feeding only natural food. The n-3/n-6 ratio varied widely by the diet. Carp fed extruded formula yielded the most preferable the unsaturated fatty acid:saturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids:saturated fatty acids ratios. In conclusion, the provision of processed plant meals can be an important protein source for common carp to improve productivity and food quality.