Effect of Feed Pellet Characteristics on Growth and Feed Conversion Efficiency of Largemouth Bass Raised in Ponds

Abstract

AbstractWe investigated the growth, survival, and feed conversion of Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides fed one of two sizes of floating pellets or a sinking pellet for 151 d in 0.04‐ha ponds. The floating and sinking pellets were made from almost identical formulas. The fish were fed once daily to apparent satiation based on observed feeding activity. There was no significant difference in survival, growth, or feed conversion of fish fed the larger floating pellet versus those fed the standard‐size floating pellet or sinking pellet. Fish fed the sinking pellet were significantly larger at harvest than fish fed either size of floating pellet. The efficiency of feed utilization was not decreased with the sinking pellet. These results indicate the Largemouth Bass accept and utilize sinking pellets well. However, their use on commercial scale farms would probably require some management modifications.