Effects of starvation and re-alimentation periods on growth performance and hyperphagic response of Sparus aurata.

摘要

This study was conducted to understand the phenomenon of compensatory growth (CG) response in gilthead sea bream subjected to different lengths of re-alimentation, to evaluate subsequent hyperphagic response, and to determine the optimum feeding management using cycling deprivation in order to maximize growth and FE. The experimental groups were fed to satiation for 2 (G1), 3, (G2), or 4 (G3) days followed by 1 day feed deprivation in cycles over the course of 5 weeks. The control group (C) was continuously fed to satiation. Diet was offered twice a day between 09:00-10:00 h and 18:00-19:00 h. One day feed deprivation followed by 2 days of satiation in G1 and C resulted in a higher final body weight than the other tested groups, G2 and G3 (P0.05). The cumulative feed intake were 473.2+or-26.6, 411.6+or-32.8, 400.7+or-34.3 and 426+or-17.7 g for C, G1, G2 and G3, respectively. G1 had a significantly higher (P0.05) FE (82.2%) than either the control fish (71.8%) or other experimental treatments (65.2-73.0%). It is concluded that compensatory growth response in gilthead sea bream is not only dependent on the intensity of deprivation but also on the length of the re-alimentation period. Displaying complete compensation following a feed restriction, there may be a strong case to made for using feed restriction cycles as a routine procedure in the commercial production of gilthead sea bream..