Effect of feeding frequency and feeding time on growth of Penaeus vannamei (Boone)

Abstract. An intensive growth trial conducted In pens in an earthen pond indicated that growth of Penaeus vannamei (Boone) increased with feeding frequency and suggested that day feedings produce greater growth than night feedings. The differences in growth due to feeding frequency were significant, instantaneous growth rates (IGR) increasing from 1·62% to 1·66% to 1·71%/day as the number of feedings increased from one to two to four per 24 h. Comparison of the IGR of shrimp fed at night (1·64%/day) to that of shrimp fed during the day (1·68%/day) suggested ( P = 0·0633) that growth was greater for shrimp given day feedings than for shrimp given night feedings. Survival of shrimp was not significantly different due to feeding frequency or due to time of feeding and averaged 74·7 ± 6·1%. Results indicate that P. vannamei cultured under conditions similar to those tested should be fed a minimum of four times daily and suggest that feeding during the day is at least as good as and may be preferable to feeding at night.