Growth of juvenile Atlantic cod Gadus morhua in land-based recirculation systems: : Effects of feeding regime, photoperiod and diet

• Published in: Aquaculture 2009-07, Vol.292 (3-4), p.225-231
• Main Authors: Fülberth, M, Moran, D, Jarlbæk, H, Støttrup, J.G
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animal and plant ecology; Animal aquaculture; animal growth; Animal populations; Animal productions; Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Aquaculture; Biological and medical sciences; Cod; cod (fish); Diet; feed conversion; feeds; fish culture; Fish stocking; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Gadus morhua; General aspects; mariculture; marine fish; photoperiod; recirculating aquaculture systems; Sea water ecosystems; specific growth rate; Synecology
• ISSN: 0044-8486; 1873-5622
• DOI: 10.1016/j.aquaculture.2009.04.028

The combined effect of feeding regime and photoperiod on the growth of juvenile Atlantic cod Gadus morhua in land-based recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) was examined using three different commercial diets. Fish of 8-10 g were reared in 1 m³ tanks at an initial density of 10 kg m⁻³ for 78 d. Three RAS units were used to simultaneously test three feed/photoperiod regimes that might be encountered in the wild or aquaculture; LightDark (LD) 24:0, LD12:11 (+1 h crepuscular periods) and LD6:6 (+12 h crepuscular periods). Feed was administered during the light period every 30 min for a 3 min feeding duration. In each RAS unit three diets (A, B and C) were tested, which were broadly similar in composition but from different manufacturers. Water exchange rate averaged 10-19% in the three recirculation systems, and key water quality parameters such as NH₄ ⁺ and CO₂ remained at low effect concentrations (