Growth and survival of bighead carp ( Aristichthys nobilis) fry fed at different intake levels and feeding frequencies

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the effect of different levels of dietary intake and feeding frequencies on growth and survival of bighead carp, Aristichthys nobilis, fry. The feeding rates consisted of 10%, 20%, and 30% of body weight while feeding frequencies were one, three, and five times daily. Results showed that final weight, final length, and specific growth rate (SGR) differed in relation to feeding rate but not to feeding frequency. Highest values were obtained for fish on the 30% ration and fed once a day. A significant effect of higher feeding rate using lower feeding frequency on growth was manifested in final mean weight and SGR; increasing feeding rate resulted in increased growth. Feeding frequency significantly influenced fry survival with highest values observed when fry were fed once or three times per day. Highest survivals were achieved by fry on the 30% ration fed once daily. At higher feeding rates using lesser feeding frequencies better survival was noted. Survival rate had an inverse relationship to feeding frequency, but no overall relationship existed between feeding rate and survival rate. Both ration and feeding frequency significantly influenced normalized biomass index (NBI). Highest values were again obtained on the 30% ration and feeding once daily. Higher NBI values were observed with higher feeding rates at lower feeding frequencies. Increasing ration resulted in a corresponding increase in NBI.