Effect of feeding restrictions on development of juvenile cobias, Rachycentron canadum

Aim of study: A 45-day trial was conducted to evaluate fasting as a possible way of food strategy during production of juvenile cobias (Rachycentron canadum). Area of study: The study was conducted in the State of Espirito Santo, Brazil. Material and methods: The following different protocols were used to organize their feeding: C, fish fed to satiety twice a day for 45 days; U1, fish fed to satiety twice a day on alternate days; U2, fish fed to satiety twice daily for five consecutive days, followed by two days of food deprivation, cyclically; U5, fish subjected to food deprivation for five days and then fed to satiety twice a day for 40 days; U10, fish subjected to food deprivation for ten days and then fed to satiety twice a day for 35 days; and U15, fish subjected to food deprivation for fifteen days and then fed to satiety twice a day for 30 days. Main results: No mortality was observed during the trial period. The different feeding protocols significantly affected juvenile cobias development and wellbeing. The final weight (g) of cobia juveniles was C - 91.9 & PLUSMN; 9.1; U1 - 75.0 & PLUSMN; 11.2; U2 - 72.2 & PLUSMN; 6.0; U5 - 70.3 & PLUSMN; 6.1; U10 - 63.4 & PLUSMN; 4.6; U15 - 54.4 & PLUSMN; 4.7. No compensatory growth was observed during the entire experimental period. Research highlights: Continuous fasting had a more severe effect than intermittent fasting. Significantly greater hepatocyte counts were correlated with longer fasting periods. Fasting protocols should not be recommended for juvenile cobias.

Automated summary

This study aimed to evaluate fasting as a possible feeding strategy for juvenile cobias. The study was conducted in Espirito Santo, Brazil and evaluated the development and wellbeing of the cobias under different feeding protocols. The results showed that continuous fasting had a more severe effect on the cobias compared to intermittent fasting. The study suggests that fasting protocols should not be recommended for juvenile cobias.