Growth performance and hematological parameters of banded cichlid Heros severus fed at different feeding rates and feeding frequencies

Knowledge of the ideal feeding rate and feeding frequency for native species is important to improve the feed efficiency and reduce production costs. Thus, the present study evaluated feeding rate and feeding frequency effect for growth performance and health of Heros severus fingerlings. An experiment was carried out in completely randomized design with two feeding frequencies (2 and 4 times a day), three feeding rates (3%, 6% and 9% of body weight.day(-1)) and three replicates for 90 days. No differences were observed (p > 0.05) in the growth performance for fingerlings between two and four feeding frequencies, but lower feeding frequency (two times a day) caused lower uniformity for weight at the end of 90 days. Furthermore, the increase in the feeding rate from 3% to 6% or 9% (biomass.day(-1)) promoted higher weight and length gain, specific growth and length ratio (SGR(L), SGR(w)) and biomass gain (p < 0.05). Lower feeding rate also caused blood change such as reduced values for glucose, triglyceride, erythrocyte, thrombocytes and leukocytes. Thus, H. severus fingerlings can be reared using feeding rate 6% (Biomass.day(-1)) with two meals a day for better utilization of the feed without affecting its hematological parameters.

Automated summary

The study found that feeding frequency of 2 and 4 times a day had no significant impact on growth performance of Heros severus fingerlings. However, feeding twice a day resulted in lower weight uniformity. Increasing feeding rate from 3% to 6% or 9% promoted growth, but lower feeding rate caused changes in blood parameters.