A Preliminary Study on the Effect of Feeding Frequency on Survival and Growth Rate of Catla Catla Post Larvae
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Date
2013
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka
Abstract
Feed management is a very important part in larval rearing in terms of optimization of feeding
rate and frequency is become imperative in the culture of marine and freshwater fishes and it
has become one of the crucial areas of research in the field of aquaculture. By controlling the
optimum feeding frequency, farmers can successfully reduce the feed cost and maximize growth
and also able to manage other factors such as individual size variation and water qualities which
are deemed important in rearing of fish in culture conditions. Different species of fish have been
shown to have different optimum feeding frequencies. There are numerous reports available on
the nutritional requirements and use of practical diets for Indian Carp species but limited
information is available on feeding schedules for Catla (Catla catla).There is a need to know
what feeding frequency is optimal, in terms of production. The objective of this study was to
evaluate the effects of different feeding frequencies on growth performance and survival of
Catla (Catlacatla) post larvae which will lead to better larval rearing management during the
critical period of larval phase.
Methodology
Experimental trials were conducted at the National Aquaculture Development Authority, Carp
breeding centre, Udawalawa. A total of 1500 (approximately) 5 day old Catla (Catla catla) post
larvae (PL) obtained from hatchery jar of the breeding centre. Selected PL were divided equally
into fifteen 50 l glass tanks and 100 fish were housed in each glass aquaria. Average wet weight
was recorded as 0.0007±0.000031 g and average total length recorded as 0.7±0.042 cm. The
stocking density was two PL per one liter of water. Post larvae in treatment F4were fed four
times a day while those of group F3, F2 and F1 were fed thrice, twice and once a day
respectively. F0 was the controller and those larvae were not fed. The larvae were fed with soya
bean milk up to 10 days and then up to 21 days they were fed with Prima commercial powder
feed. Feed was offered at an allowance of 10% bodyweight (FAO, 2011) splitted equally among
the allocated number of meals. Feed allowance was calculated once a week by using wet weight
measurements. Satiation of feed was assumed. The duration of this study was 8 weeks and
during the experiment water temperature was measured daily and pH and Nitrate concentration
were measured once a week. Total length and wet weight body measurements were taken once a
week and Number of survivals were calculated finally. Based on the average length, average
weight increments and number of fish; the Specific growth rate, Weight gain, length gain,
survival rates variables were calculated. All data were subjected to one-way analysis of variance
(ANOVA) and differences between means compared by the Tukey test at a 95% confidence
interval (p<0.05).
Results and Discussion
Mean water temperature and pH level ranged from 27-30 C and from 6-8, respectively. The
mean weekly values of the lengths and weights of post larvae at each feeding frequency are
shown in Figure 1 and 2, respectively. Total length increased from an initial value of 0.7± cm to
final value 1.23 ± 0.1 cm in no feed group (F0) and 2.53 ± 0.11 cm in feeding frequency F4
group. Other feeding frequencies (F1-F3) had length values intermediate between the 2
extremes. There was a significant difference (P<0.05) in length values between these feeding
frequencies. For weight values feeding frequency F0 had the lowest final mean weight (0.0077
± 0.0003 g) while feeding frequency F4 had the highest mean weight value (0.101 ±
0.001).Mean weight values for other feeding frequencies (F1-F3) ranged progressively between
two extremes. There was also significant difference (P<0.05) in final weight values at the
different feeding frequencies.
Description
Keywords
Animal Sciences, Aquaculture and Fisheries, Aquatic Resources, fish Industry, Fish