The effect of application of semimoist feeding mixture when converting the advanced fry of zander (Sander lucioperca) to intensive culture conditions

Abstract

Conversion success of pond-reared zander (Sander lucioperca) fry was evaluated using three different converting methods: direct conversion to dry feed (Bio-Optimal Start 0.8 mm; variant A), three–day application of semimoist feeding mixture on the base of fish (variant B) and three-day application of semimoist mixture + three-day co-feeding of semimoist mixture and dry feed (variant C). Two replicates per treatment were applied. These three methods were evaluated regarding specific growth rate (SGR), condition coefficient (K), survival and cannibalism. Mean initial total length (TL) of fish was 35.22 ± 2.15 mm and mean individual weight (w) was 0.31 ± 0.05 g. There were 600 individuals in each circular tank. The initial stock density was 2 fish.l – 1. Fish survival during a 14-day period of rearing ranged from 34.33 % (variant C) to 50.33 % (variant A). Significantly (P < 0.05) better conversion performance was achieved with variants A and B than with the variant C regarding all parameters.