Effects of using different levels of animal and plant proteins in the diets of frog larvae (Rana ridibunda) during metamorphism (tadpole to froglet

Considering the global consumption of frogs and providing 95% of frogs' legs at the international level through fishing from the natural environment, environmental concerns have been given more attention. Therefore, with the aim of developing the artificial reproduction of frog, the effects of using different dietary- animal and plant proteins on metamorphism of frog (Rana ridibunda) were investigated. The experimental diets were: (i) a diet containing 100% animal protein, (ii) a diet containing 100% plant protein, (iii) a diet containing 50% plant and 50% animal proteins, (iv) a diet containing 30% plant and 70% animal proteins, and (v) a diet containing 70% plant and 30% animal proteins. The tadpole fed the experimental diets in a 90-day period. The individual weight was significantly different among the treatments during the experimental period (p<0.05). The highest weight loss occurred in the 10th week of rearing in the 3, 3 and 1 treatments, respectively. Maximum weight loss was observed in the treatment 5 in the 12 week and in the treatment 2 in the week 13. Given the individual weight, and also the metamorphism process and biomass of froglets, the diet containing 50% plant and 50% animal proteins nominated more capable diet for production of froglets (Rana ridibunda).