Models to estimate lysine requirements of pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus)

• Grant number: 20/16791-0
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: October 01, 2021
• End date: December 31, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Fishery Resources and Fishery Engineering - Aquaculture
• Principal Investigator: João Batista Kochenborger Fernandes
• Grantee: João Batista Kochenborger Fernandes
• Host Institution: Centro de Aquicultura (CAUNESP). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Jaboticabal. Jaboticabal , SP, Brazil
• Associated scholarship(s): 22/14058-0 - Models to estimate lysine requirements of pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus), BP.TT

Abstract

This study aims to determine the response of pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus) to dietary lysine levels. Two experiments will be conducted in an indoor facility for 60 days. A total of 20 tanks of 1,500 litres, connected to a recirculation aquaculture system (RAS), will be used. The RAS will be equipped with a mechanical and biological filter, a heat exchanger and aeration system. In the first experiment (growing phase), 160 fish with initial body weight of 250 g (8 fish per replicate/tank) will be used. In the second study (termination phase), 120 fish of 900 g (six fish per replicate/tank) will be used. A complete randomized design with 5 treatments (lysine levels) and four replicates will be applied. The basal diets including a concentrated and a protein-free will be formulated. The energy levels of both diets will be maintained equal, with a relative deficiency of lysine in the concentrated diet. The concentrated diet will be diluted with the protein-free diet to achieve five graded levels of dietary lysine. The five experimental diets will have the same energy level and lysine:amino acids ratio. In each experiment, growth and feed intake will be measured. The data will be fitted to models to determine lysine requirement for maintenance and efficiency of lysine utilization. Factorial models will be developed to estimate lysine requirements of pacu. (AU)