Effect of feeding frequency on the rearing performance of golden trevally (Gnathanodon speciosus Forsskål, 1775) juvenile
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effects of feeding frequency on growth, survival, and feed ultilization efficiency of juvenile golden trevally fish. The experiment was designed as a completely randomized one-factor design with four treatments (2, 4, 6, and 8 times/day). The golden trevally fish, with an initial size of 2.64 ± 0.07 cm and weight of 0.41 ± 0.03 g/fish, were reared in 70 liter composite tanks at a density of 1 fish/L. Each treatment was performed with three replicates over a 28-day period. The results indicated that the growth parameters (length, weight, and biomass) were highest at the feeding frequencies of 6 and 8 times/day, followed by 4 times/day, and lowest at the feeding of 2 times/day (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the growth parameters of fish fed 6 times/day and 8 times/day (P > 0.05). Feeding frequency affected the coefficient of variation of body weight (P < 0.05) but did not significantly affect the coefficient of variation of total length, condition factor, survival rate, or deformation rate of the fish. The treatments that fed 4 to 8 times/day had significantly lower feed conversion ratios (FCR) compared to the treatment that fed 2 times/day (P < 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed that the maximum length growth rate was achieved at the feeding of 6.5 times/day. From the above results, it can be seen that the feeding frequency of 6 times/day is suitable for rearing juvenile of golden trevally fish.
