Co‐feeding dry and live feed in first‐feeding gilthead seabream: Effects on functional development of the digestive system, larvae and postlarvae performance

Abstract

In the intensive gilthead seabream larviculture practice, dry feeds are introduced not earlier than on 15 days post hatching (dph). The aim of the present study was to compare such a common protocol (DF15, Dry Feed introduced on 15 dph) with one in which dry feed is co-fed with live feed from the onset of the exogenous feeding (DF4, Dry Feed introduced on 4 dph). The evaluation focused on larvae performance and functional development of the digestive system up to weaning and first grading (Trial 1; conducted in the hatchery; larvae monitored from 5 to 60 dph; first grading on 62 dph), as well as on postlarvae performance (Trial 2; conducted in the laboratory; the graded larvae of each treatment were used; postlarvae growth monitored from 66 to 126 dph). Obtained results showed that introducing dry feed in first-feeding gilthead seabream larvae (DF4) did not affect larvae growth, survival and functional development of the digestive system. Indeed, growth enhancement and lower incidence of total phenotypical deformities are indicated on first grading. Moreover, postlarvae performance was improved. The present study indicates a viable feeding protocol for gilthead seabream larviculture and emphasizes the importance of larval rearing for subsequent production stages.