A new approach for quantifying phosphorus requirement in Colossoma macropomum using CT scanning

Available phosphorus (AP) requirement for tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) was evaluated using different response parameters, and CT scanning was used to determine the adequacy of dietary P along with bone mineralization data. A total of 192 tambaqui juveniles (17 ± 0.85 g) were stocked into 24 70 L-tanks using randomized block design (different floors) with six treatments (1.3, 2.4, 4.8, 6.3, 7.8 and 8.8 g kg−1 AP) and four replicates. Fish were fed ad libitum with six semi-purified diets containing graded levels of AP for 90 days. The dietary AP requirement was estimated using non-linear regression models. No mortality or apparent signs of P deficiency were observed. Increasing dietary AP levels improved all performance variables. Dietary P levels significantly affected bone density. The estimated P requirement for tambaqui was 6.3, 3.68, 5.0 and 6.91 g kg−1 diet for improved weight gain, bone density, vertebrae mineralization and carcass mineral deposition, respectively. CT scanning allowed the visualization of bone structures affected by P deficiency and could predict the P requirement based on vertebrae mineralization. Additionally, blood chemistry parameters were significantly affected by the dietary P level, except for serum calcium. Thus, the use of 6.3 g kg−1 AP in tambaqui diets can maintain normal growth and bone mineralization of juveniles from 17–150 g.