GROWTH AND SURVIVAL OF COMMON CARP (Cyprinus carpio) FINGERLINGS AT DIFFERENT FEEDING RATES

A sixty (60) days study on the growth and survival of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) fingerlings at different feeding rates was conducted at the College of Fisheries Laboratory and Research Station, Mindanao State University, Barangay Bawing, General Santos City from December 7, 2018 to February 6, 2019. Nine (9) units of B-net cages with size of 1x1x1.5m were installed in experimental pond 1 as enclosures. Twenty five (25) common carp fingerlings were stocked in each cage with an initial weight of 2g and fed with commercial feeds at 8%, 10%, and 12% of their body weight in Treatments I, II, II, respectively. After 60 days of culture, Treatment II got the highest mean body weight of 22.7g, followed by Treatment III with 19.7g, and Treatment I with the lowest value of 18.4g. The highest mean weight gain was recorded in Treatment II (20.7g), followed by Treatment III (17.7g), and Treatment I (16.4g). In terms of mean daily growth, Treatment II was obtained the highest value with (0.34g), followed by Treatment III (0.29g), and Treatment I (0.27g).Statistical analysis revealed that there was significant difference (P<0.05) among treatments. However when the growth parameters were subjected to Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT), mean body weight, mean weight gain, and mean daily growth showed that Treatment II was significantly different (P<0.05) to Treatment I and III, while Treatment I and III were not significantly different (P>0.05). All treatments have survival rates of 100%. Highest mean feed conversion ratio was highest in Treatment III (2.0), followed by Treatment II (1.6), and Treatment I (1.3). Statistical analysis revealed that all treatments were significantly different (P<0.05). Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) also showed that all treatments are significantly different (P<0.05) with each other. Water quality parameters like temperature ranged from 28.9-30.7°C, water transparency 65- 100cm, dissolved oxygen 4.4-5.8ppt, ammonia 0-0.25ppm and pH 6.8-7.3. All these parameters were observed to be favourable for the common carp. Under the conditions of the experiment, better growth performance was obtained in Treatment II with feeding rate of 10%.