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Feeding management strategies to optimize the use of suspended feed for Nile tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus ) cultivated in bioflocs
Author(s) -
Silva Marcos Antônio,
Alvarenga Érika Ramos,
Costa Franklin Fernando Batista da,
Turra Eduardo Maldonado,
Alves Gabriel Francisco de Oliveira,
Manduca Ludson Guimarães,
Sales Suellen Cristina Moreira,
Leite Namíbia Rizzari,
Bezerra Vinícius Monteiro,
Moraes Stefani Grace da Silva,
Teixeira Edgar de Alencar
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
aquaculture research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.646
H-Index - 89
eISSN - 1365-2109
pISSN - 1355-557X
DOI - 10.1111/are.14408
Subject(s) - nile tilapia , biology , oreochromis , zoology , feed conversion ratio , tilapia , factorial experiment , body weight , protein efficiency ratio , food science , fishery , fish <actinopterygii> , statistics , mathematics , endocrinology
Feeding strategies of tilapia (initial average weight: 32 g) cultivated with Biofloc technology (BFT) (carbon source: sugarcane, C:N ratio: 6:1) for 56 days were studied. A 4 × 3 factorial experimental design was used with four feeding frequencies (one, two, three and four times a day) and three feeding rates (50%, 75% and 100% consumption in relation to apparent satiety), with four replicates. Lower levels of dissolved oxygen, protein retention rate and body protein content were found in fish fed once a day. The reduction in feeding rate resulted in lower average final weight and reduced growth but promoted a decrease in the concentration of total ammonia nitrogen, solids, hepatosomatic index and body lipids. We found better efficiency of protein utilization at 75% feed. The nutritional value of the floc was not affected by the feeding frequency, and the feeding rate reduction from 100% to 75% did not alter the protein content of the floc. Thus, twice‐daily feeding frequency is sufficient for Nile tilapia fingerlings reared in BFT. Although the feeding rate of 100% satiety has led to better performance, it may not be the best option in BFT due to higher feed conversion and reduction of water quality.