Optimization
of Artemia metanauplii on growth and survival of gilthead sea bream larvae SparUs
aurata
A.
Mihelakakis, C. Tsolkas, T. Yoshimatsu-2004
Journal
of the World Aquaculture Society, 35(1): 87-93
(from ISI Current Contents)
Abstract:
Growth, feed efficiency and survival of gilthead sea bream Sparus aurata
larvae fed exclusively various levels of enriched Artemia during the period
25 DPH-34 DPH were investigated. Larvae had an average initial fresh body
weight (BW) of 4.99 mg and were fed on Artemia at rates of 20, 35, 50, 65,
and 80% of their body weight per day, in two equal meals. Each ration was
administered to duplicate groups of 1,000 larvae, with ration readjusted
every second day. Feeding rate had a significant effect on larval survival,
which was lower in larvae fed the 20 and 35% BS/d rations. The specific
growth rate (SGR) showed it cur-vilinear significant increase when the
feeding rate was increased from 20 to 65% BW/d, but there was no improvement
when the feeding rate was increased from 65 to 80% BW/d. Percent feed
efficiency (FE) decreased significantly from a maximum value at 20% ration
to 80% BW/d but at 65% and 80% rations the values of FE were not
significantly different. Optimum ration (minimum quantity of Artemia
concomitant with maximum larval growth) was estimated close to 65% BW/d. The
significance of the results is discussed in relation to potential economics
of Artemia cysts use in commercial hatcheries.
(Provimi Hellas S.A., 20 km Natl. Rd. Athens Lamia,
Metamorphosi 14452, Greece)