Apparent digestibility of palm kernel meal to tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum)

ABSTRACT The objective of this work was to determine the digestibility of palm kernel meal (Elaeis guineensis) in tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum), in two weight classes: 1 (210 fingerlings of 4.45±1.18g) and 2 (54 juveniles of 115.91±4.01g). The apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC) of dry matter, crude protein and crude energy of the palm kernel meal were evaluated by the substitution of the reference diet methodology, using 0.1% chromic oxide as an external indicator. Data were analyzed by Student's t-test at 5% probability. The dry matter, crude protein and crude energy ADCs of the ingredient were the same (P> 0.05) in the weight classes evaluated. The ADCs observed in classes 1 and 2, respectively, were: dry matter (17.52% and 20.75%), crude protein (62.83% and 63.75%) and crude energy (14.16% and 22.43%). The ability of tambaqui to digest the nutrients of palm kernel meal was not influenced by body weight, and satisfactory protein utilization (63.29%) makes this ingredient a potential alternative source of protein in diets for the species.