This study was conducted to investigate the effects of families (G♂×S♀, S♂×S♀) and feed protein contents (37%, 40%) on growth performance and hepatic expression IGF-I of juvenile yellow catfish. Fish were fed for 60 days in 3 reduplications. Results:the final weight, weight gain, specific growth rate and the hepatic IGF-I expression were significantly affected by families and dietary protein contents (P<0.05). There was not interaction between the two factors in these indexes. P40/(G♂×S♀) group obtained the maximum final weight, weight gain rate and the highest hepatic IGF-I expression level. The results showed that juvenile yellow catfish achieved better breeding effect through family breeding and feed protein nutrition regulation. G♂×S♀)in high protein diet feeding gained the best growth performance.