RESUMO
This study was conducted to determine the best combination of protein sources in diets for jundiá, based on growth, metabolism, and nutrient deposition. Five protein combinations were tested: casein + fish meal (control), casein + gelatin, casein + albumin, casein + albumin + fish meal, and albumin + fish meal, in diets containing 370 g Kg-1 of crude protein and 13.4 MJ Kg-1 of digestible energy. The fish (9.38 ± 0.12 g) were allocated in a water recirculation system at a density of 3.35 g L-1 per experimental unit and fed until apparent satiety for 40 days with the diets. The fish fed with the control diet had the highest final weight, specific growth rate, protein and feed efficiency ratio, protein retention, and best apparent feed conversion. On the other hand, fish that received casein + albumin and albumin + fish meal diets showed worse results in growth and body protein retention, low trypsin and chymotrypsin activity, and high intestinal amylase activity. Therefore, the combination referred to as control (casein + fish meal) conclusively provides the best rhythm for nutrient digestion and metabolism processes, enabling fish to reach greater growth and retention of body protein with low whole-fish fat content.