Food management rate and frequency in production performance in fingerlings of Trachelyopterus galeatus (LINNAEUS, 1766)

ABSTRACT The research was developed in a factorial system, consisting of three feeding rates based on biomass (6, 8, and 10% of the tanks), and two feeding frequencies per day, over a 20-day experiment. At the end of the feeding period, 15 individuals from each treatment were subjected to a stress test, which monitored the cumulative mortality rate of the specimens over 48 hours. The results obtained from the research show that feeding management in terms of rate and frequency interferes (P<0.05) with the total ammonia concentration in the water, specific growth rate, and uniformity in the production of T. galeatus fingerlings. The best responses were recorded at 2.16±0.09% for the specific growth rate in weight, 79.49±6.39% in batch uniformity, and lower total ammonia concentrations at 0.023±0.005mg.L-1, with the use of two feeding frequencies during the day. In terms of stress resistance responses, the feeding frequency of twice a day significantly (P<0.05) impacted the higher survival rate (100%) of the animals. Thus, a feeding rate of 6% of biomass, distributed in two meals per day, is sufficient to meet the zootechnical requirements, provide resistance, and optimize feed usage during the production of T. galeatus fingerlings.