Abstract
Feeding is a key factor in the growth performance of rainbow trout farming, its sustainable production and profitability. However, supplying the daily ration in trout farming in flow-through system without any control is an inconceivable practice both economically and environmentally. In this study, the effect of different feeding regimes has been evaluated to optimize growth performance minimizing the feed wastage for simulating realistic intensive culture conditions (daily ration and feeding frequency per day depending on temperature and stocking density). Growth patterns of the reared fish in terms of average daily gain (ADG) and specific growth rate (SGR%) at two feeding schedules (FS-I & FS-II) and three stocking densities (Sd1, Sd2, Sd3) showed that the best performance was at Sd2 (R2 = 0.869) at FS-I and it was highly significant (P < 0.01). Regression coefficients (R2) of length-weight relationship in different seasons and stocking densities explained proper fit of the growth as per condition factor (K) and it was high (0.994 and 0.886) during monsoon and autumn respectively in FS-I showing more than 56% variability. Based on profitability analysis, and feed consumption efficiency (FCE) related growth performance, the size and temperature dependent feeding rate was determined to construe a new rate of feeding during different months of the year. The economic implications of the experimental feeding regimes were also assessed. Both the feeding regime FS-I & FS-II supported the extent of growth performance however, better performance in terms of ADG and SGR was observed in FS-I as compared to FS-II at the end of the trial. The results demonstrated a lower competition for feed since instant feed availability was higher at Sd2 and reared at FS-I. It is concluded that controlling the feeding process is essential to reduce wastage and increase profitability, which has been achieved by the monitoring process of environmental indicators and suitable feed management. Our findings suggest a new improved feeding schedule which has significant effects on feed intake and growth performance of rainbow trout besides containing the impacts of environmental indicators and eliciting cost-effective productions.
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