Effect of feeding strategies on production characteristics and body composition of Florida pompano reared in marine recirculating systems

Authors: Weirich, Charles; GROAT, DEREK - LOUISIANA STATE UNIV; REIGH, ROBERT - LOUISIANA STATE UNIV; CHESNEY, EDWARD - LOUISIANA STATE UNIV; MALONE, RONALD - LOUISIANA STATE UNIV

Submitted to: North American Journal of Aquaculture
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/21/2006
Publication Date: 10/1/2006
Citation: Weirich, C.R., Groat, D.R., Reigh, R.C., Chesney, E.J., Malone, R.F. 2006. Effect of feeding strategies on production characteristics and body composition of Florida pompano reared in marine recirculating systems. North American Journal of Aquaculture. 68(4):330-338.

Interpretive Summary: Although previous studies and reports have suggested that Florida pompano Trachinotus carolinus hold promise as a commercially viable species, there has been limited success in attempts to culture this species. Three growth trials were conducted using indoor recirculating systems and a commercially available diet to evaluate the effect of feeding strategies (level of feeding frequency and fixed rate feeding vs. satiation feeding) on production characteristics and body composition of pompano and to determine if this species can be reared to market size (greater than or equal to 450 g). Results of this study represent the first report of pompano reared to market size to date. Results demonstrate that pompano can be reared from an initial weight of 17 g to market size in approximately 4.5 mo. and to > 700 g at approximately 8.5 mo. using recirculating aquaculture systems. Excellent survival rates in all three production trials revealed that pompano readily adapted to closed-system tank culture. Results of production trials revealed that feeding frequency and rate significantly influence mean weight and weight gain but did not affect FCE or whole body composition of juvenile pompano, nor dressed carcass yield, fillet yield, visceral fat content, and hepatosomatic index of market-size fish. Based on the findings of this study it is recommended that future research is conducted to develop optimal diets and to further refine feeding strategies for the production of this species.

Technical Abstract: The effect of feeding strategies on production characteristics and body composition of Florida pompano Trachinotus carolinus reared using marine recirculating bead filter (MRBF) systems were evaluated. Three growth trials (water temperature, 27-29 C; salinity, 23-28 g/L; photoperiod, 12L:12D) were conducted. A commercial diet (53 % protein, 13 % lipid) was fed in each trial. In Trial 1 the effect of feeding frequency (at a fixed rate of 5 % bw/d) on production characteristics was determined. Final mean weight and weight gain of fish (initial weight, 17 g) fed two, three, and six feedings/d was greater than that of fish fed once daily. Trial 2 was conducted to evaluate the effect of feeding rate (at 5 % bw/d or to apparent satiation) on production of fish (initial weight, 74 g) reared at two initial densities (1.3 and 2.6 kg/m**3). At both densities mean weight and weight gain of fish fed to apparent satiation were greater than that of fish fed at a fixed rate. In Trial 3 the effect of feeding frequency (to apparent satiation) on production and body composition was determined. Mean weight and weight gain of fish (initial weight, 215 g) reared to market size (greater than or equal to 450 g) while receiving four feedings/d was greater than that of fish fed twice daily. Feeding strategy did not affect body composition. Market size pompano had dressed carcass and fillet yields > 70 % and > 45 %, respectively. Feeding strategies had no effect on feed conversion efficiency and minimal effects on specific growth rate. Survival in each trial was > 95%. Juvenile pompano (initial weight, 17 g) reared using MRBF systems achieved market size (greater than or equal to 450 g) at approximately 4.5 mo and reached a mean weight of > 700 g at approximately 8.5 mo.