Open AccessEffects of long‐term restricted feeding followed by full feeding on growth, processing yield, fillet proximate composition, and economics of market‐size hybrid catfish, ♀ Ictalurus punctatus × ♂ Ictalurus furcatus
Author(s) -
Li Menghe H.,
Wise David J.,
Kumar Ganesh,
Bosworth Brian G.,
Mischke Charles C.,
Aarattuthodiyil Suja,
Rutland William,
Lucas Penelope M.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of the world aquaculture society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.655
H-Index - 60
eISSN - 1749-7345
pISSN - 0893-8849
DOI - 10.1111/jwas.12727
Subject(s) - ictalurus , catfish , biology , zoology , fillet (mechanics) , fish fillet , fishery , feed conversion ratio , fish <actinopterygii> , body weight , endocrinology , materials science , composite material
A pond study examined the effects of long‐term restricted feeding followed by full feeding on production and processing characteristics, fillet composition, and economics of market‐size hybrid catfish, ♀ Ictalurus punctatus × ♂ Ictalurus furcatus . Market‐size fish averaging 674 g were stocked into 24 ponds (0.04 ha) at 17,300 fish/ha. Fish were either fed once or twice weekly for 4 months or once or twice weekly for 4 months followed by 15‐ or 30‐day daily full feeding. All fish were fed to apparent satiation on days fed. Fish fed once weekly for 4 months gained about 30% weight and those fed twice weekly gained 70% weight. Feeding once or twice weekly for 4 months followed by 15‐ or 30‐day full feeding did not significantly affect carcass yield compared with the initial sample (overwintered fish). At least 30 days of full feeding were needed to restore fillet yield to normal levels. Based on economic analysis and processing yield, it is suggested fish fed once weekly should be given full feed for 15 days or so to improve fillet yield before harvest. Fish fed twice weekly can be harvested with or without 15 days full feeding.