Optimum dietary protein levels and protein to energy ratios on growth and survival of juveniles spotted Babylon (Babylonia areolata Link) under the recirculating seawater conditions

Abstract

A feeding experiment of three dietary protein levels (35, 40 and 45%) and three dietary energy levels (3.8, 
4.0 and 4.2 kcal g-1 diet) factorial design with four replicates was conducted to determine the proper 
dietary protein and energy levels for the growth and survival of the juveniles spotted Babylon Babylonia 
areolata under the recirculating seawater conditions. Snails with initial body weight averaging 0.29 ± 0.01 
g were fed the experimental diets for 16 weeks. Survival rates (SR) of each group was above 95% and no 
significant difference among dietary treatments (p > 0.05). Mean weight gain of snails fed the 35% 
protein diets with 4.0 kcal/g diet was significantly (P < 0.05) different from that of snails fed the 40 and 
45% protein diets at all energy levels. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly influenced by 
dietary protein and energy levels (p < 0.05). Diets containing 35% protein level and 4.0 kcal g-1 energy 
level appeared to be utilized more efficiently in term of FCR (3.21) than diets containing the other dietary 
protein and energy levels, ranging 3.62 - 4.54. The results of this study indicate that a diet containing 
35% dietary protein and 4.0 kcal g-1 diets with P/E ratio of 85.99 mg protein/kcal was recommended for 
juvenile B. areolata growth under our experimental recirculating seawater conditions.