Feeding ration and frequency influences growth, feed utilization and body composition of goldfish (Carassius auratus)

Abstract

To establish an effective feeding regime for Carassius auratus, this experiment investigated the effects of feeding ration and feeding frequency on growth, feed utilization and body composition in juvenile C. auratus (Initial weight: 1.66 ± 0.018 g). A 4 × 4 experimental design of four ration sizes (2, 3, 4 and 5% body weight per day [BW/day]) with four feeding frequencies (1, 2, 3 and 4 meals/day) was carried out over 8 weeks with three replicates per treatment. The results showed that weight gain and specific growth rate (SGR) increased significantly (P<0.05) with the feeding ration from 2% BW/day to 3% BW/ day and feeding frequency from 1 meal/day to 4 meals/day. Similarly feed conversion ratio (FCR) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) were significantly better (P <0.05) at feeding ration of 3% BW/day than 4 and 5% BW/day at 4 meals/day than 1, 2 or 3 meals/day. SGR, FCR and PER further reduced when feeding ration was increased beyond 3% BW/day. Lipid content improved with the increased feeding frequency at all feeding rations, however feeding frequency did not exhibit a significant effect on crude protein level (P>0.05). Moisture content of body showed an opposite trend to lipid content and decreased with increase in feeding frequency. In conclusion, feeding ration of 3% BW/day and feeding frequency of 4 meals/ day was found to be better for maximal growth and feed utilization of young ones of C. auratus.