Comparison of growth performance, fillet efficiency and amino acid profile of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and giant gourami (Osphronemus goramy) reared in concrete pools

This study was designed to determine the cultivation potentials and protein value of giant gourami as a new edible species and compare it with common carp as a common species. In order to analysis the growth phase of the giant gourami in a monoculture system and compare it with common carp, fishes were purchased in the same weight range (5±0.27 and 5.02±0.17 g, respectively) and presented to concrete pools in the same conditions, two treatments with 3 replicates. Fish were fed with common carp commercial diet of for one year. Growth performance such as survival rate, weight gain, SGR, FCR and price index showed more optimal results (P<0.05) in common carp, but the protein efficiency and visceral index in giant gourami improved, significantly (P<0.05). Fillet and carcass yields were significantly higher in giant gourami (P<0.05). The essential amino acids such as arginine, histidine, lysine, threonine and tryptophan, and non-essential amino acids including alanine and serine were remarkably higher in giant gourami compared to common carp (P<0.05). Also, there was no significant difference in EAA/NEAA at two groups of fish (P>0.05). Overall, the results of this study showed that common carp in the same condition in concrete pools was more able to grow than giant gourami, but better values ​​for carcass yield and visceral index were obtained in giant gourami. In addition, according to the significant upgrading of the essential amino acids such as arginine, histidine, lysine, threonine and tryptophan and unnecessary amino acids including alanine and serine, and also the absence of significant differences in the EAA/NEAA at two species, due to the qualitative features and nutritional value of giant gourami, it can be considered as a valuable farmed fish.