Improving the weaning of larval giant kōkopu, Galaxias argenteus: An emerging aquaculture species

Abstract Using live feed in fish larviculture is more expensive and challenging than formulated feeds, incentivizing the early weaning of larvae. In New Zealand, the aquaculture of larval giant kōkopu, Galaxias argenteus, is being commercialized because of its high value and to supplement the wild f...

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Main Authors: William J. G. McKay, Andrew G. Jeffs
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2023-06-01
Series:Journal of the World Aquaculture Society
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1111/jwas.12926
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author William J. G. McKay
Andrew G. Jeffs
author_facet William J. G. McKay
Andrew G. Jeffs
author_sort William J. G. McKay
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Using live feed in fish larviculture is more expensive and challenging than formulated feeds, incentivizing the early weaning of larvae. In New Zealand, the aquaculture of larval giant kōkopu, Galaxias argenteus, is being commercialized because of its high value and to supplement the wild fishery. As an emerging aquaculture species, inefficiencies remain in the production process, inhibiting financial viability. This study reports on the ability of these larvae to consume formulated larval diets across four ages (18, 21, 25, and 28 days after hatching, DAH) at each of the three daily feeding events (Morning, Midday, and Afternoon) during commercial production. At 18 DAH, little to no formulated feed was consumed at either of the three feeding events throughout the day. At 21 DAH, mean gut fullness increased and the number of fish with empty stomachs reduced by the end of the Morning and Afternoon feeding events. Both variables improved further for larvae at 25 and 28 DAH. Formulated feed consumption did not differ between larvae aged 25 and 28 DAH indicating that 3 days of feeding live feed could be removed from the feed regime. This change would save 13% on the cost of live feed; however, further research is required to determine the potential impacts on growth and survival.
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spelling doaj.art-9ef0cde934af41199516ffb726eb0af52023-06-21T01:56:19ZengWileyJournal of the World Aquaculture Society0893-88491749-73452023-06-0154370171310.1111/jwas.12926Improving the weaning of larval giant kōkopu, Galaxias argenteus: An emerging aquaculture speciesWilliam J. G. McKay0Andrew G. Jeffs1Institute of Marine Science University of Auckland Auckland New ZealandInstitute of Marine Science University of Auckland Auckland New ZealandAbstract Using live feed in fish larviculture is more expensive and challenging than formulated feeds, incentivizing the early weaning of larvae. In New Zealand, the aquaculture of larval giant kōkopu, Galaxias argenteus, is being commercialized because of its high value and to supplement the wild fishery. As an emerging aquaculture species, inefficiencies remain in the production process, inhibiting financial viability. This study reports on the ability of these larvae to consume formulated larval diets across four ages (18, 21, 25, and 28 days after hatching, DAH) at each of the three daily feeding events (Morning, Midday, and Afternoon) during commercial production. At 18 DAH, little to no formulated feed was consumed at either of the three feeding events throughout the day. At 21 DAH, mean gut fullness increased and the number of fish with empty stomachs reduced by the end of the Morning and Afternoon feeding events. Both variables improved further for larvae at 25 and 28 DAH. Formulated feed consumption did not differ between larvae aged 25 and 28 DAH indicating that 3 days of feeding live feed could be removed from the feed regime. This change would save 13% on the cost of live feed; however, further research is required to determine the potential impacts on growth and survival.https://doi.org/10.1111/jwas.12926Artemiaformulated feedweaningwhitebait
spellingShingle William J. G. McKay
Andrew G. Jeffs
Improving the weaning of larval giant kōkopu, Galaxias argenteus: An emerging aquaculture species
Journal of the World Aquaculture Society
Artemia
formulated feed
weaning
whitebait
title Improving the weaning of larval giant kōkopu, Galaxias argenteus: An emerging aquaculture species
title_full Improving the weaning of larval giant kōkopu, Galaxias argenteus: An emerging aquaculture species
title_fullStr Improving the weaning of larval giant kōkopu, Galaxias argenteus: An emerging aquaculture species
title_full_unstemmed Improving the weaning of larval giant kōkopu, Galaxias argenteus: An emerging aquaculture species
title_short Improving the weaning of larval giant kōkopu, Galaxias argenteus: An emerging aquaculture species
title_sort improving the weaning of larval giant kokopu galaxias argenteus an emerging aquaculture species
topic Artemia
formulated feed
weaning
whitebait
url https://doi.org/10.1111/jwas.12926
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