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Examining the daily feeding rhythms of amago Oncorhynchus masou masou using self-feeding systems
Citation
Flood, MJ and Noble, C and Kagaya, R and Damsgard, B and Purser, GJ and Tabata, M, Examining the daily feeding rhythms of amago Oncorhynchus masou masou using self-feeding systems, Aquaculture: An International Journal Devoted to Fundamental Aquatic Food Resources, 318, (1-2) pp. 244-247. ISSN 0044-8486 (2011) [Refereed Article]
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DOI: doi:10.1016/j.aquaculture.2011.05.007
Abstract
Knowledge of circadian feeding rhythms in farmed fish species can help farmers determine the optimal
feeding times to maximise feed consumption and minimise feed wastage. This study examined i) the
circadian feeding rhythms, ii) the inter-day variability in feed demanded and iii) feed wastage of amago,
Oncorhynchus masou masou, fed using self-feeding systems. Three replicate groups of 16 fish were held under
a 12:12 light:dark cycle at 16 °C for 56 days. After a 28-day self-feeder acclimation period all three groups had
become competent self-feeders and the treatment period ran from day 28 to day 56. Under the experimental
light and temperature regime utilised amago appear to be visual self-feeders, actuating self-feeders almost
exclusively during the light phase (99.9% of actuations). All three groups exhibited a distinct diurnal feeding
rhythm within the light phase and demonstrated significant (Pb0.05) crepuscular peaks in feed demand. In
addition, one group also displayed a significant peak at midday. Daily ration varied both within and between
groups but no clear rhythmicity was observed in these variations. Feed waste was very low (always b2%) for
each group. The results of this study suggest that farmers can optimise daily feed consumption by feeding
amago exclusively during the light phase, specifically at dawn and dusk, with a possible extra meal at midday.
© 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Item Details
| Item Type: | Refereed Article |
|---|---|
| Keywords: | Self-feeding; Amago; Circadian feeding rhythms; Production; Welfare |
| Research Division: | Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences |
| Research Group: | Fisheries Sciences |
| Research Field: | Aquaculture |
| Objective Division: | Animal Production and Animal Primary Products |
| Objective Group: | Fisheries - Aquaculture |
| Objective Field: | Aquaculture Crustaceans (excl. Rock Lobster and Prawns) |
| Author: | Purser, GJ (Associate Professor John Purser) |
| ID Code: | 74411 |
| Year Published: | 2011 |
| Web of Science® Times Cited: | 4 |
| Deposited By: | NC Marine Conservation and Resource Sustainability |
| Deposited On: | 2011-11-30 |
| Last Modified: | 2015-02-04 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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