Effect of feeding frequency on growth performance, feed efficiency and bioenergetics of golden mahseer early fry.

Abstract

In the upland regions of India, the indigenous golden mahseer Tor putitora (Hamilton), is well recognized as one of the important game as well as food fish and for that reason in commercial fisheries too, it should occupy an important position. In the past, there has been a great decline in the fishery of golden mahseer and is now feared to be endangered. Thus, development of fisheries of this fish in impoundment waters will play a significant role in economy of the country because high mortality is associated with first feeding of golden mahseer in controlled conditions of hatchery. To enhance the growth of golden mahseer under culture systems, it becomes necessary to know about its feeding regime. Feed accounts major portion of the cost of fish culture system. A trial was conducted, to establish optimum feeding frequency, for rearing early fry of golden mahseer. The influence of feeding frequency on survival, growth performance, feed efficiency, protein efficiency ratio (PER), meal size and bioenergetic parameters was studied in the early fry of golden mahseer. Fish were stocked in tanks with flow through water system keeping three replicates for each treatment. Feeding was carried out four times a day, three times a day, two times a day and once a day for a period of 45 days. Frequency of feeding was found to significantly influence the growth parameters, feed efficiency, meal size and the bioenergetic parameters. Net weight gain, percent weight gain and specific growth rate (SGR) were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in fish fed three times a day than those fed one, two and four times a day. Feed conversion ratio (FCR), feed conversion efficiency (FCE) and PER were significantly better (p < 0.05) in fish fed three and four times a day compared with those fed one and two times a day. Meal size of 70% was significantly higher (p < 0.05) for fish fed three times a day compared to those fed one, two and four times a day. Fish fed three times a day had higher feeding rate 148.93 Jg-1.day-1, absorption rate 142.12 Jg-1.day-1 and absorption efficiency 95.43 Jg-1.day-1 compared with those fed with all other feeding frequencies. However, the percentage survival was independent of the treatments. This suggests that the best feeding frequency for golden mahseer early fry is three times a day.