投喂频率对福瑞鲤幼鱼摄食与生长的影响

研究不同投喂频率(1次/d,2次/d,3次/d,4次/d)对福瑞鲤(FFRC strain common carp)幼鱼摄食与生长的影响,试验周期为30 d。结果显示:当投喂频率从1次/d增加到4次/d时,福瑞鲤幼鱼的摄食率逐步提高,1次/d组的摄食率显著低于其他组(P0.05);体重增长率、体长增长率和特定生长率随投喂频率的增加均有不同程度提高,在4次/d时达到最高;饲料转化率逐步升高,1次/d组显著低于其他组(P0.05)。各试验组福瑞鲤幼鱼的个体体重/体长差异随着投喂频率的增加而先升后降,最终幼鱼的规格趋于一致。综合本试验结果,投喂频率对福瑞鲤幼鱼的摄食与生长存在显著影响,在4次/d的投喂频率下其摄食水平、生长性能、饲料转化效率及大小分化差异系数等均表现出较好状态。     

投喂频率对绿鳍马面鲀幼鱼生长和肌肉品质的影响

为研究不同投喂频率对绿鳍马面鲀幼鱼生长性能和肌肉品质的影响,在室内循环水养殖系统中,采用人工配合饲料,以1次/d、2次/d、3次/d、4次/d等4种投喂频率,对体质量(13.8±0.83)g的绿鳍马面鲀幼鱼进行了饲养试验,试验时长为42 d。结果显示,随着投喂频率增加,绿鳍马面鲀幼鱼的终末体质量呈逐渐升高的趋势,特定生长率呈先升后降的变化趋势,其中3次/d组幼鱼的特定生长率最高,显著高于1次/d组(P<0.05);饲料系数也随着投喂频率的增加而升高,3次/d组的饲料系数显著高于1次/d组(P<0.05),4次/d组的饲料系数显著高于1次/d组和2次/d组(P<0.05);肌肉品质方面,4次/d组幼鱼的肌肉粗脂肪含量显著高于1次/d组(P<0.05),不同投喂频率组间肌肉粗蛋白质含量和灰分含量无显著性差异(P<0.05)。综合考虑生长性能和肌肉品质指标,绿鳍马面鲀幼鱼适宜的投喂频率为日投3次。     

投喂频率对黄鳝幼鱼摄食、生长及饵料利用效率的影响

研究了不同投喂频率对黄鳝(Monopterus albus)摄食率、特定生长率、饵料效率、体重分化、鱼体组成的影响。试验共设5组不同投喂频率(2、3、4、12次/d和24次/d),每组3个重复,试验持续30 d。结果显示:投喂频率4次/d组的摄食率显著高于其它各组(P<0.05);特定生长率有不同程度增高,4次/d组达到最高(P<0.05);饲料利用效率4次/d组显著高于2次/d组(P<0.05),与其它组无显著性差异(P>0.05);随着投喂频率增加,各试验组组内个体体重无显著差异(P>0.05),黄鳝的规格趋于整齐。试验各组黄鳝的鱼体成分无显著性差异(P>0.05);饵料蛋白质和能量的表观消化率,在4次/d时达到最高(P<0.05)。试验表明:黄鳝的生长受投喂频率的影响,每天投喂4次是黄鳝养殖的最佳投喂频率。     

投喂频率对绿鳍马面鲀幼鱼生长、生理指标及肝脏hsp70基因表达丰度的影响

为探究投喂频率对绿鳍马面鲀(Tharnnaconus septentrionalis)幼鱼生长、生理指标及肝脏hsp70基因表达的影响,本研究设5个投喂频率,分别为1、2、3、4和5次/d (分别简称为F1、F2、F3、F4和F5),每个处理组设3个平行,每缸养殖30尾鱼[(6.47±0.56)g]。实验期间,水温为17℃~26℃,盐度为30~31,pH为6.8~7.6,溶解氧≥5 mg/L,养殖周期为30 d。结果表明,不同投喂频率对绿鳍马面鲀幼鱼的生长、体成分、消化酶和抗氧化酶活性均有影响。随着投喂频率的增加,绿鳍马面鲀幼鱼的摄食和生长均呈上升趋势,F5组数值最大,摄食率为3.95%,增重率为347.19%,特定生长率为5.07%/d,增重率为F1组的2倍多。F1组的肥满度为1.79,显著低于其他4组(P<0.05);肝体比逐渐升高,F4和F5组的肝体比显著高于其他3组(P<0.05)。增加投喂频率,鱼体的粗蛋白含量呈先升高后降低的趋势,F2组最高,为59.82%;粗脂肪含量呈逐渐升高的趋势,F5组最高,为31.23%。胰蛋白酶活性随投喂频率增加呈先降低后增加的趋势,F3组活性最低,为37.48 U/μg prot;脂肪酶活性逐渐升高,F5组最高,为2.67 U/g prot;淀粉酶活性不受投喂频率的影响(P>0.05)。过氧化氢酶、超氧化物歧化酶活性和丙二醛含量最高均在F5组,分别为14.71 U/mg prot、250.32 U/mg prot和2.73 nmol/mg。肝脏中hsp70基因的相对表达量不受投喂频率的影响(P>0.05)。基于绿鳍马面鲀幼鱼的生长性能和生理效应的综合考虑,其最适投喂频率为3次/d。     

投喂频率对青鱼幼鱼生长和体成分的影响

为研究不同投喂频率对青鱼生长和体成分的影响,采用自制的配合饲料,在日投喂量相同的情况下,分别以每天1、2、3、4、5次的投喂频率饲养5组青鱼幼鱼(平均初始体质量为0.61 g)45 d。试验结果:随着投喂频率由每天1次增至3次,青鱼幼鱼的终末体质量、增重率、特定生长率、饲料效率、蛋白质效率及蛋白质贮积率均显著提高(P0.05)。但当投喂频率由每天3次增至5次,这些指标在不同投喂组间无显著差异(P0.05)。对全鱼营养成分的分析表明,水分含量在不同投喂组间无显著差异(P0.05),粗蛋白、粗脂肪及灰分含量在不同投喂组间有显著差异(P0.05),其中随着投喂频率的增加,粗脂肪含量呈下降趋势,而灰分含量则呈上升趋势。试验结果表明,青鱼幼鱼适宜的日投喂频率为3次。     

投喂频率对绿鳍马面鲀幼鱼生长、生理指标及肝脏hsp70基因表达丰度的影响

为探究投喂频率对绿鳍马面鲀(Thamnaconus septentrionalis)幼鱼生长、生理指标及肝脏hsp70基因表达的影响,本研究设5个投喂频率,分别为1、2、3、4和5次/d (分别简称为F1、F2、F3、F4和F5),每个处理组设3个平行,每缸养殖30尾鱼[(6.47±0.56) g]。实验期间,水温为17℃~ 26℃,盐度为30~31,pH为6.8~7.6,溶解氧≥5 mg/L,养殖周期为30 d。结果表明,不同投喂频率对绿鳍马面鲀幼鱼的生长、体成分、消化酶和抗氧化酶活性均有影响。随着投喂频率的增加,绿鳍马面鲀幼鱼的摄食和生长均呈上升趋势,F5组数值最大,摄食率为3.95%,增重率为347.19%,特定生长率为5.07%/d,增重率为F1组的2倍多。F1组的肥满度为1.79,显著低于其他4组(P<0.05);肝体比逐渐升高,F4和F5组的肝体比显著高于其他3组(P<0.05)。增加投喂频率,鱼体的粗蛋白含量呈先升高后降低的趋势,F2组最高,为59.82%;粗脂肪含量呈逐渐升高的趋势,F5组最高,为31.23%。胰蛋白酶活性随投喂频率增加呈先降低后增加的趋势,F3组活性最低,为37.48 U/μg prot;脂肪酶活性逐渐升高,F5组最高,为2.67 U/g prot;淀粉酶活性不受投喂频率的影响(P>0.05)。过氧化氢酶、超氧化物歧化酶活性和丙二醛含量最高均在F5组,分别为14.71 U/mg prot、250.32 U/mg prot和2.73 nmol/mg。肝脏中hsp70基因的相对表达量不受投喂频率的影响(P>0.05)。基于绿鳍马面鲀幼鱼的生长性能和生理效应的综合考虑,其最适投喂频率为3次/d。     

投喂频率对尼罗系吉富罗非鱼幼鱼胃排空、生长性能和体组成的影响

通过胃排空试验与养殖试验研究了不同投喂频率对尼罗系吉富罗非鱼幼鱼的胃排空、生长性能以及体组成的影响.在试验开始时,观测尼罗系吉富罗非鱼幼鱼的胃内饲料排空情况,胃排空试验结果表明,胃排空率的最佳描述为平方根函数,胃内饲料在饱食投喂后15 h左右完全排空,达到投喂前水平,80％胃排空为9h,也就是投喂后大约9h恢复食欲.360尾试验鱼(初始体质量3.72 g)以不同的投喂频率(1d4次、1d3次、1d2次、2d4次、2d3次、2d2次)分组,每组设立3个平行组,随机养殖于18个网箱中,每箱养殖20尾鱼,按饱食量投饲膨化饲料.养殖期为6周.尼罗系吉富罗非鱼幼鱼在投喂频率为1d4次、1d3次和1d2次时特定生长率和饲料效率显著高于投喂频率为2d4次、2d3次和2d2次时(P＜0.05)；投喂频率为1d2次、2d4次、2d3次和2d2次时其摄食量显著低于1d4次和1d3次时(P＜0.05).随着投喂频率降低,鱼体水分含量逐步上升,脂肪和蛋白质含量逐步下降,其中1d4次、1d3次组鱼与2d2次组鱼有显著性差异(P＜0.05).各投喂频率组间的肝体指数无显著性差异(P＞0.05).3.7～48.0 g尼罗系吉富罗非鱼幼鱼的适宜投喂频率为1d2次,较2d2次、2d3次和2d4次时明显提高了生长速度和饲料效率,较1d3次、1d4次摄食量显著降低.2种试验结果较为一致.     

投喂频率对斑点叉尾鮰幼鱼生长、饲料利用和鱼体组成的影响

通过8周的生长试验,研究斑点叉尾鮰(Ictalurus punctatus)幼鱼(初始体重约4.5 g)的最适投喂频率。试验饲料为自制配合饲料,粗蛋白38%,总能19.0 kJ/g。设计了1～5次/d(M1-M5)5种投喂频率。结果表明:M2、M3、M4组摄食率均显著高于M1和M5组(P<0.05),其中M4组最大。M3、M4、M5组的特定生长率均显著高于M1组(P<0.05),其中M3组最大。M2、M3、M4、M5组的干物质表观消化率均显著高于M1组(P<0.05),M3和M4组的蛋白和能量表观消化率均显著高于M1和M2组(P<0.05)。M3组干物质含量显著高于M1和M2组(P<0.05),M2、M3、M4和M5组的粗蛋白、粗脂肪和能量含量均显著高于M1组(P<0.05)。因此,本研究建议,斑点叉尾鮰幼鱼养殖的最适投喂频率为3次/d。     

人工隐蔽物及投喂频率对许氏平鲉幼鱼生长和行为的影响

室内水槽实验条件下研究了许氏平鲉(Sebastes schlegelii)幼鱼(15.24 g±2.9 g)在不同光照条件下对3种人工遮蔽物的行为反应。在此基础上,通过7周的养殖实验研究了不同放养密度下(800 ind/m3,1 200 ind/m3,1 600 ind/m3),隐蔽物、投喂频率(1次/d、2次/d、3次/d、4次/d)对许氏平鲉幼鱼(0.50 g±0.02 g)生长、摄食和行为的影响。结果表明:1)实验采用的3种隐蔽物对许氏平鲉幼鱼均有明显的诱集作用,其中扇贝笼改造的隐蔽物S1诱集效果最好。2)遮光条件可以提高隐蔽物区域幼鱼的分布率,但与自然光处理组差异不显著(P0.05)。3)在实验设定的密度范围内,许氏平鲉幼鱼的终末体重、日增重率、特定生长率随密度的增大而升高。无隐蔽物条件下,低密度组的日增重率和特定生长率与中高密度组差异显著(P0.05),终末体重则显著低于高密度组(P0.05);隐蔽物的设置显著提高了中、低密度组许氏平鲉幼鱼的终末体重(P0.05),高密度组幼鱼的特定生长率和饲料转换率也有显著提高(P0.05)。4)放养密度和隐蔽物对于许氏平鲉幼鱼的生长离散影响显著(P0.05),随着放养密度的增大,幼鱼的体重变异系数呈逐渐增大趋势;相同放养密度下,放置隐蔽物的各组幼鱼生长离散均小于未放置组,其中低密度组间差异极显著(P0.01),中密度组间差异显著(P0.05)。5)3种放养密度下饱食投喂频率为1次/d处理组幼鱼的体重变异系数显著大于其他各组(P0.05),饱食投喂频率大于2次/d时,各处理组幼鱼生长离散无显著差异(P0.05)。研究结果表明,对于体重0.5~5.8 g的许氏平鲉幼鱼,当放养密度为1 200 ind/m3条件时,通过投放人工隐蔽物,选取2次/d的饱食投喂频率,可显著降低生长离散水平,并使幼鱼获得较好的生长。本研究旨在为许氏平鲉健康苗种培育及规模化生产提供科学指导和技术支撑。     

锦鲤幼鱼循环饥饿后的补偿生长和体成分变化

为研究体长(10.63±0.20)cm、体重(17.63±0.72)g锦鲤(Cryprinus carpiod)幼鱼循环饥饿后的补偿生长和体成分变化,试验设5个组,分别为正常投喂和4个循环饥饿投喂组,其中循环饥饿投喂组投喂方式分别为:饥饿1 d后投喂3 d、饥饿1 d后投喂5 d、饥饿2 d后投喂3 d、饥饿2 d后投喂5 d,试验水温为(27.0±1.0)℃,试验周期为40 d。试验结果表明:循环饥饿1 d后投喂的特定生长率、摄食率均显著高于正常投喂的(P0.05),但末均长、末均重、总摄食量、相对增重率和饲料利用率的差异均不显著(P0.05),表现为完全补偿生长,推测其补偿生长应是通过提高摄食率来实现的;循环饥饿2d后投喂的末均长、末均重、总摄食量、特定生长率、相对增重率均显著低于正常投喂的(P0.05),而摄食率、饲料利用率的差异均不显著(P0.05),表现为不能补偿生长,但是否对其生理机能造成伤害有待于进一步研究确定;4个循环饥饿投喂组的鱼体粗蛋白和粗脂肪含量较正常投喂组有所降低,而水分和灰分含量有所升高。因此,循环饥饿1 d后投喂3 d的实际投喂时间较短,且为完全补偿生长,是最佳的循环饥饿投喂模式。     

Relationship Between Dietary Protein Source and Feeding Frequency During Feeding Nile Tilapia,Oreochromis niloticus (L.) Cultured in Concrete Tanks

ABSTRACT

A 24-week feeding trial was conducted in concrete tanks with Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (L.) with an average initial weight and length of 50.87 ± 6.03 g and 14.4 ± 0.45 cm, respectively, to examine the effect of two protein sources and two feeding frequencies on growth performance, production traits, and body composition. Twelve 4 m³ concrete tanks (2 × 2 × 1.25 m, long, width, and height) were each stocked with 100 fish and fed diets containing either fish meal protein or soybean meal protein at two feeding frequency of two times daily or four times daily (2 × 2 × 3 factorial experiment). The results revealed that there was no significant effect of dietary protein sources on growth rate, whereas there was a significant increase in growth rate with increasing feeding frequency (P < 0.05). The same trend was also observed for mean body weight (g), production rate (kg/m3), specific growth rate (SGR % day^?1). The best final mean body weight (g), specific growth rate (SGR % day^?1), and production rate (kg/m3) were recorded in groups of fish fed with feeding frequency four times daily. Whole fish moisture, protein, fat, and ash contents were significantly influenced (P ≤ 0.05) by protein sources and feeding frequency, except protein not influenced with feeding frequency. Energy was significantly (P < 0.05) influenced by feeding frequency, but not by dietary protein sources. Economic evaluation indicated that soybean meal (Diet B) at four times feeding daily was the most cost-effective and affordable feed strategy for farmers. We conclude that a soybean diet fed four times daily is recommended for adult Nile tilapia reared in concrete tanks.     

Effects of feeding frequency and dietary energy level on growth and body composition of juvenile flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus (Temminck & Schlegel)

A two (dietary energy levels; low energy, LE and high energy, HE) × 4 (feeding frequency; one feeding in 2 days, one feeding daily, two times daily and three times daily) factorial experiment was performed to determine the effects of dietary energy level and/or feeding frequency on the growth and body composition of juvenile flounder Paralichthys olivaceus. The survival rate was not significantly different among treatments. Weight gain of fish fed the LE and HE diets significantly increased as feeding frequency increased. The weight gain of fish fed the LE diet was higher at each level of increasing feeding frequency. The weight gain of fish fed the HE diet was higher than that of fish fed the LE diet once in 2 days and once daily, but weight gain of fish fed the HE diet was lower than the LE diet three times daily. Daily feed intake was significantly influenced by feeding frequency, but not by dietary energy level. Feed efficiency of fish fed the HE diet once daily was significantly higher than that of fish fed the LE diet once in 2 days, but no significant difference in feed efficiency was observed among other groups of fish. The protein efficiency ratio of fish fed the LE diet once in 2 days was the lowest. Feeding frequency and dietary energy level had a significant effect on the body lipid content. A feeding frequency of two times or three times daily would be effective, depending on dietary energy level for maximum growth of juvenile flounder grown from 3.5 to 15 g.     

Effects of feeding frequency on the growth and body constituents of young red-spotted grouper, Epinephelus akaara

In order to obtain optimum feeding frequency in young red-spotted grouper, 25 000 fish averaging 4.7 cm in total length were divided into five groups in duplicate floating net-cages. Each group was reared with the same feeding ration to the fish weight but with different feeding frequencies: one, two, four, six, and eight times daily, respectively. High feeding frequencies resulted in high weight gain, high feed conversion efficiency, and high survival rate. The highest muscle mass and the highest levels of muscle protein were obtained at a feeding frequency of six times daily. While muscle lipid decreased with increasing feeding frequency, lipid levels of the liver and intraperitoneal fat body tended to be elevated by high feeding frequencies. Triglyceride accumulation in the whole body increased with increasing feeding frequency, but was lower in the group fed eight times daily than in the other groups.

Based on the above results, a feeding frequency between four and six times daily is suggested to be optimum for achieving optimum growth rates and lipid reserves in young red-spotted grouper.     

Effects of different feeding regimes on juvenile black rockfish (Sebastes schlegilii) survival,growth, digestive enzyme activity,body composition and feeding costs

The objective of this study was to establish a proper feeding regime for juvenile black rockfish (Sebastes schlegilii) intended for stock enhancement. We used a combined experimental design to assess the effects of different feeding rates (1%, 3% and 5% body weight per day (BW/day)) and feeding frequencies (apparent satiety or restricted feeding 1 to 3 times daily) on survival, growth, digestive enzyme activity, body composition and feeding costs over 50 days, from newly weaned (initial average weight 1.5 ± 0.2 g) to release size. The results showed that feeding rate significantly affected fish growth, feed utilization and body composition. The highest feed conversion ratio was at 3% BW/day. Increased feeding rates resulted in enhanced growth and higher body lipid content, but this was also accompanied by decreased contents of moisture, protein and ash. With feeding to apparent satiety, increased feeding frequency resulted in higher growth performance and enhanced intestinal lipase activity but decreased gastric protease activity. There were no growth improvements or effects on digestive enzyme activity and body composition with increasing feeding frequency (from one to three times daily) under a fixed‐quantify feeding (3% BW/day). Feed costs increased with increasing feeding rates or apparent satiety feeding frequencies and were associated with shorter growth times to reach a suitable size for release. Our study suggests that a feeding rate of 3% BW/day is the best feeding regime for proper growth and reduced feed costs in juvenile black rockfish before releasing for stock enhancement.     

Effects of feeding frequency on the enzymes and genes involved in oxidative stress in juvenile yellow catfish Pelteobagrus fulvidraco (Richardson) exposed to ammonia

Optimal feeding strategies improve fish growth and health but may be affected by ammonia stress in closed rearing systems such as tanks or ponds. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of feeding frequency and ammonia levels in rearing water on the enzymes and genes involved in oxidative stress of yellow catfish. Experiment (ammonia exposure) and control groups were randomly assigned to one of three feeding frequencies (1, 2 and 4 times daily) for 8 weeks. Weight gain increased as feeding frequency increased from 1 to 4 times daily, but feed conversion ratio values decreased. The highest survival in ammonia group was found when fish was fed 2 times daily. Glutathione peroxidase activity and total antioxidant capacity in liver and brain of fish exposed to ammonia increased as feeding frequency increased from 1 to 4 times daily. Liver malondialdehyde content in control group decreased as feeding frequency increased from 1 to 4 times daily. The lowest liver malondialdehyde content in ammonia group was observed when fish was fed 2 times daily. Liver mRNA expression of superoxide dismutase and catalase in control group increased as feeding frequency increased from 1 to 4 times daily, but the highest superoxide dismutase and catalase expression in ammonia group were observed when fish were fed 2 times daily. This study indicates that higher feeding frequency of yellow catfish exposed to ammonia could result in oxidative stress and poor survival. The optimal feeding frequency of yellow catfish exposed to ammonia is 2 times daily.     

Effect of Dietary Lipid Level and Feeding Frequency on the Growth,Feed Utilization,and Body Composition of Juvenile Spotted Seabass,Lateolabrax maculatus

A 6‐wk feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of different dietary lipid levels and feeding frequencies on the growth performance, feed utilization, and body composition of juvenile spotted seabass, Lateolabrax maculatus. Two experimental diets were prepared with two different dietary lipid contents, low lipid (7%; LL) and high lipid (14%; HL). Each diet was fed to triplicate groups of fish (5.5 ± 0.01 g) to apparent satiation at three meals per day, two meals per day, one meal per day, and one meal every 2 d, respectively, for 6 wk. Fish growth performance in terms of weight gain (WG) and specific growth rate (SGR) was significantly affected by frequency of feeding, with increasing values as feeding frequency increased up to twice daily, regardless of dietary lipid content. In addition, fish fed the diet with the HL level (14%) showed significantly higher WG and SGR than those fed the LL diet (7%) at all the feeding frequencies tested. Feed efficiency (FE) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) were affected by both dietary lipid level and feeding frequency. FE and PER values were significantly higher in fish fed the HL diet and/or when fish were fed twice or thrice a day. However, daily feed intake and daily energy intake were significantly affected only by feeding frequency and were significantly reduced when the fish were fed only once every 2 d compared with those fed more frequently. Whole‐body moisture content of fish tended to decrease with increasing dietary lipid level and frequency of feeding. In contrast, whole‐body lipid content increased in fish as dietary lipid level and feeding frequency increased. Consequently, we can conclude that feeding spotted seabass twice daily to apparent satiation is acceptable and sufficient to achieve good growth and FE, as fish performance was not significantly enhanced when feeding was increased from two to three times daily.     

Effects of Feeding Rate and Feeding Frequency on Survival, Growth, and Body Composition of Ayu Post-Larvae Plecoglossus altivelis

The effects of feeding rate and feeding frequency on survival, growth and body composition of ayu post‐larvae (0.15 g in body weight and 3.5 cm in total length) were investigated in this study. A factorial experimental design of two feeding rates (3 and 6% of body weight of fish per meal) five feeding frequencies (one meal in 2 d, one meal a day, two meals a day, four meals a day, and six meals a day) with three replicates was used. Survival of ayu post‐larvae was significantly (P 0.05) affected by feeding frequency but not by feeding rate. Survival of ayu improved linearly with feeding frequency at both feeding rates. Weight and length gains and specific growth rate (SGR) of ayu was significantly (P 0.05) affected by feeding frequency but not by feeding rate, with weight and length gains and SGR linearly elevated with increasing feeding frequency at both feeding rates. The greatest weight and length gains were observed in fish receiving six meals daily at both feeding rates; however, no significant difference in weight gain was observed among two, four, and six meals a day, or in length gain between four and six meals a day. Feed efficiency ratio (FER) was significantly (P 0.05) affected by both feeding rate and feeding frequency. FER linearly decreased with feeding frequency at both feeding rates or feeding rate in the same feeding frequency. When the total daily amount of feed supply was constant with various feeding frequencies at different feeding rates (one meal a day at 3% feeding rate and one meal in 2 d at 6% feeding rate, two meals a day at 3% feeding rate and one meal a day at 6% feeding rate, or four meals a day at 3% feeding rate and two meals a day at 6% feeding rate), improvement in survival, weight and length gains, and SGR was observed in fish with higher feeding frequency at lower feeding rate. Moisture, protein, and lipid content of fish were not significantly (P > 0.05) affected by either feeding rate or feeding frequency. However, lipid content of ayu linearly increased with feeding frequency at 6% feeding rate. The highest body lipid content was observed in fish receiving six meals daily at both feeding rates. Ash content of fish was significantly (P 0.05) affected by feeding frequency but not by feeding rate. Based on performance of ayu, it can be concluded that optimum feeding rate and feeding frequency for ayu post‐larvae (an initial weight of 0.15 g) were 3% per meal and four meals a day, respectively, under these experimental conditions.     

Influences of feeding frequency of extruded pellet and moist pellet on growth and body composition of juvenile Japanese flounder <Emphasis Type="Italic">Paralichthys olivaceus</Emphasis> in suboptimal water temperatures

This study was carried out to investigate the influences of feeding frequency of extruded pellet and moist pellet on growth and body composition of juvenile flounder (initial mean weight 6.3 g) in sub optimal water temperatures. A 2 (diets: extruded pellet and moist pellet)×2 (feeding frequencies: two and three times daily)×2 (water temperatures: 12 and 17°C) factorial design with three replications was used. After 60 days of feeding, the feeding frequency did not significantly affect growth performance of fish. Weight gain, daily feed intake, feed efficiency and protein efficiency ratio were significantly (P<0.05) higher for fish reared at the higher water temperature. At the same water temperature, weight gain, feed efficiency, and protein efficiency ratio were significantly (P<0.05) higher for fish fed the extruded pellet than moist pellet. The results of this study indicate that feeding frequency of two times daily is sufficient for optimal growth of juvenile flounder when reared in suboptimal water temperatures, and an increase in water temperature from 12 to 17°C improved growth and feed efficiency.     

Effect of Feeding Frequency on Feed Consumption,Growth, and Feed Efficiency in Aquarium‐reared Norris and NWAC103 Channel Catfish (Ictalurus punctatus)*

Abstract.— A 6‐wk feeding study was conducted to determine the effect of feeding frequency on growth rate of juvenile Norris and NWAC103 channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, reared under laboratory conditions. Four replicate groups of Norris and NWAC103 catfish (average weight of 4.0 ± 0.2 g/fish, SEM) were fed to visual satiety at different feeding frequencies (one, two, or three times daily). The percent of total daily food consumed for Norris catfish fed three times daily (0800, 1200, and 1600 h) was 44.4, 27.7, and 27.9%, respectively, while NWAC103 catfish consumed 42.9, 26.7, and 30.4%, respectively. Specific growth rate and feed intake were higher in fish fed three times daily compared to fish fed once and twice daily for both strains. Feed efficiency was reduced in NWAC103 fed three times daily compared to fish fed once or twice, while feed efficiency was similar among the Norris treatments. Gastrointestinal (GI) tract index ([weight of GI tract/weight of fish] × 100) decreased in NWAC103 catfish as feeding frequency increased, while a similar nonsignificant trend was also observed in Norris catfish. The results of this study demonstrate that aquarium‐reared Norris and NWAC103 catfish fed three times a day consume more feed and gain more weight than catfish fed once or twice a day. The observed decrease in the GI index as a result of feeding more frequently demonstrates that the size of the GI tract increases, relative to body weight, when catfish are fed only once a day. Under laboratory conditions, the number of times a day the fish are fed should be considered when trying to maximize growth of NWAC103 and Norris strains of catfish.