Effects of feeding frequency on common carp (Cyprinuscarpio L.) growth rate

Abstract

In present study the effect of feeding frequency on growth performance, food efficiency and survival rate of common carp fingerlings were investigated. Three groups of common carp fingerlings (average weight 22.88±1 gm) designed with three feeding frequencies one meal a day (Dl), two meals a day (D2) and three meals a day (D3) with three replicates of each treatment. Fish in experimental treatments were fed by 4% of body weight. Feeding frequencies had significant effect on growth performance (P<0.05). The final body weight and specific growth rate (SGR) were significantly higher in group D3 (P<0.05) in this comparison. Similar responses were observed for body weight increased (BWI) and daily growth rate (DGR) and the best BWI and DGR were obtained in D3 group, that showed significantly different to other groups (P<0.05). The best feed conversion ratio (FCR) was obtained from three daily feeding (D3), however there were no significant different between D2 and D3 (P>0.05). Also feeding frequencies had positive effect on fish survival rate (P<0.05). The best results in growth performance and survival rate were obtained by feeding threemeals a day (D3).