| Abstract: | Dietary protein requirements of large‐size Songpu mirror carp (Cyprinus carpio Songpu) were investigated through an an 82‐day feeding trial. Six practical diets were formulated to contain increasing crude protein levels of 240, 260, 280, 300, 320 and 340 g/kg. Six triplicate groups of fish (25 individuals per replicate with initial mean weights of 246.00 ± 17.36 g) were reared in the floating net cages. Results indicated that the highest weight gain rate (WGR), specific growth rate (SGR), protein efficiency ratio (PER) and lowest feed conversion ratio (FCR) were observed in the 260 g/kg treatment. The whole‐body crude protein content was significantly higher in the 260 and 280 g/kg treatments (p < .05). The expression of growth hormone (GH) in dorsal white muscle, Rh a glycoprotein (Rhag), Rh b glycoprotein (Rhbg) and Rh c glycoprotein 1 (Rhcg1) in gills increased significantly with increasing protein levels, while the expression of target of rapamycin (TOR), eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E binding protein 1 (4EBP1) and S6 kinase (S6K) in muscle and intestine increased first and then decreased significantly. Based on these findings, 260 g/kg seems to be the proper level of protein in a practical diet for large‐size Songpu mirror carp (Cyprinus carpio Songpu). |
