Fish silage in black bass (Micropterus Salmoides) feed as an alternative to fish meal

Abstract

The objective of this study was to use the residues of fermented sardine to elaborate the acid fish silage and its use in feed for aquaculture. Biological assay was performed by feeding largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) fingerlings (initial weight 22g), with extruded diets (41% crude protein; 3,600 kcal/kg digestible energy) containing 0.0, 7.5, 10.0, 12.5, or 15.0% of fish silage in partial substitution to the fish meal. The feed conversion ratio and weight gain for the treatments were: 1.26 and 15.76g; 1.11 and 17.07g; 1.19 and 17.81g; 1.18 and 19.83g; 1.47 and 14.64g, respectively. No significant differences (P<0.05) were detected among the treatments. Results indicated that it was possible to use up to 15% of acid fish silage as partial substitute for fish meal in the formulation of carnivorous fish feed.