Growth response of indigenous and exotic carp species to different protein sources in pelleted feeds

Three indigenous carp species, Catla catla (Ham.), Labeo rohita (Ham.) and Cirrhinus mrigala (Ham.), and two exotic carp species. Cyprinus carpio L. and Hypophthalmichthys molitrix (Val.), were stocked together at a total density of 6000 fish ha^-1 in the ratio of 11:22:14:14:11, respectively. Three pelleted feeds, maize gluten (MG), cotton seed (CS) and fish meal (FM), were fed at 5% of the body weight of fish per day. The crude protein content of each feed was different. Growth rates for exotic species were significantly higher (P < 0.05) on all feeds than growth of indigenous species. The best growth for both exotic and indigenous carps was achieved on fish meal. Supplemental feeds made from locally available materials can enhance fish culture in Pakistan.