Bullfrog tadpoles performance fed commercial ration with different crude protein levels

Abstract

The objective of this work was to evaluate the performance of bullfrog tadpoles (Lithobates catesbeianus Shaw, 1802) fed different dietary crude protein levels. Three hundred and sixty tadpoles of the same spawning were used, at Gosner stage 25, and distributed based on one tadpole/L in boxes containing 30 L of water. The parameters and survival were evaluated in five biometries for 60 days. The experimental design was completely randomized, with four replications. Animals average weight and weight gain by 30 days of the experiment were not influenced by crude protein in the diet. The mean weight of tadpoles peaked at 60 days of trial of 13 grams when the diet with 45% of CP was distinguished from the others. Weight gain showed maximum value at 46, 48, 53 and 60 days when rations were used with 32, 36, 45 and 55% respectively, indicating that the higher the CP, the later
should be the dietary intervention. Tadpoles length grew steadily as the percentage of protein in the diet increased.