The influence of vegetable oils in the body development of jundiá (Rhamdia quelen) and its relationship with the flesh quality were evaluated in the present study. Six diets (32% of crude protein) with rice, canola or soybean oil at 5 or 10% of inclusion were tested, for 90 days. The fishes (180, initial weight=71± 0.8g) were randomly distributed in 18 boxes (280L) in a water re-use system, with controlled temperature. The following parameters were considered for evaluation of fish performance: weight, total and standard length, survival, specific growth rate, condition factor, daily consumption, food conversion ratio, carcass and fillet yield, proximate composition and protein and fat deposition in the filets. There were no differences for the productive parameters among the tested treatments. Fishes fed with higher oil levels in the diets deposited larger fat percentage in the fillet. Canola, rice and soybean oils used as alternatives in diets in rearing of jundiá (Rhamdia quelen) provide good growth and carcass and fillet yield. Diets containing 5% of canola oil lead to a small fat deposition in the fillet of jundiás juveniles.
vegetable oils; jundiá; growth; fillet composition; Rhamdia quelen
