Effect of micro particulate diets and different weaning periods on survival and growth of European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) Larvae

Abstract

In the present study Dicentrarchus labrax larvae were weaned through two microparticulate diets; laboratory prepared diet 51.5% protein content (Micro diet; MD) and tested pelleted diet obtained from INVE® Company 56% protein (Commercial diet; CD) at three weaning periods (40, 50 and 55-day post-hatch (dph)) in 2 × 3 factorial experiment. Each treatment was replicated in three tanks. Eighteen conical fiberglass tanks each of 100 liters seawater capacity with density 15 larvae /L and initial weight of average 27.6 mg were stocked. The rearing water of the experiment was designed as a recirculating aquaculture system in a salinity of 37 ppm. The larvae were fed 6 times a day within the time of 8:00 a.m. till 6:00 p.m., at a rate: one meal every two hours. The experiment lasted 84 days. From the outcomes achieved in the present work, it can be decided that the experimental MD differs significantly from the CD in survival percent. The final body weight (FBW) of the larvae weaned at 40 DPH using the MD was better for sea bass hatcheries during the period of weaning and post-weaning stages. Also, growth, survival, and feed utilization of sea bass larvae were improved using the MD on the different weaning periods.