Growth comparison of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) with newly introduced coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) species in Madyan Valley, Swat, Pakistan

This study aimed to check the comparative growth performance and adaptability of newly introduced Coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) species with Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in the cold water area of Swat, Pakistan. For experimental work, six separate raceways three each for the Rainbow trout raceway (R-1, R-2, R-3), and three for the Coho salmon raceway (R-4, R-5, R-6), were selected in which a total of one hundred fingerlings were equally distributed at a ratio of 33 in each (R-1), and (R-2), and 34 in (R-3), raceways. Prepared feed of 35% crude protein was given twice a day for 90 days. Data was calculated in a total of six readings at intervals of fifteen days for weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and feed conversion efficiency (FCE %). Both the mean of mean of weight gain and mean of mean of FCE % of fingerling of Rainbow trout are resulted significantly higher (P < 0.05) in comparison to Coho salmon in a total of 90 days of experimental trials. While, the means of mean of FCR of fingerling of Rainbow trout are resulted significantly lower (P < 0.05) in comparison to Coho salmon in a total of 90 days of experimental trials. Results shows, that the growth performance of both species is good, however, Rainbow trout is better as compared to Coho salmon. Coho salmon has also shown promising growth performance, and can successfully be cultured in cold water areas of Swat, Pakistan.