Resumen de New findings in the searching of an optimal diet for the axolotl Ambystoma mexicanum: protein levels

Itzel Manjarrez Alcívar, Fernando Vega Villasante, Cynthia E. Montoya Martínez, Erick F. López Félix, Daniel Badillo-Zapata, Leonardo Martínez Cárdenas

• Objective: To determine the protein nutritional requirements in juvenile axolotls (Ambystoma mexicanum) based on four isocaloric diets (8% lipids) with 30, 35, 30, and 45% protein.

  Design/methodology/approach: Six axolotls were used per test, during a period of 81 days. The diets were prepared using fishmeal as a protein source and fish oil as a lipid source. The feed was supplied every 48 h with 4% of the weight of the biomass of organisms per experimental reservoir. Four biometrics were performed throughout the experiment and growth parameters were determined: height, weight gained per day, specific growth rate, survival, Fulton’s K, and protein efficiency rate. The digestibility of each of the diets was also determined.

  Results: There were significant differences in the growth and survival of the axolotls, the diet with 45% protein showed the best growth results. Limitations/implications: No more protein levels could be tested, due to the number of organisms available for bioassays.

  Findings/conclusions: Diets for the axolotl (A. mexicanum) containing 45% protein level promote good development and survival. This allows for improved cultivation and management plans for the species.