THE INFLUENCE OF STOCKING DENSITY ON GROWTH AND FEED UTILIZATION IN GILTHEAD SEABREAM (Sparus aurata)

Abstract

Stocking density is considered a priority topic in aquaculture research due to its bearing on the welfare of farmed fish and the need for future recommendations governing stocking density management on fish farms. \xa0The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of stocking density (10, 20, 30 and 40 fry/L3) on growth performance, Feed utilization and survival rate of fry gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata). The results showed that the group of fry stocked at density 30 fry/ L3 was significantly the highest final weight, weight gain, daily gain, SGR and \xa0insignificant differences in \xa0survival rate. Growth performance parameters were the \xa0highest with stocking density 30 fry/ L3 compared with stocking density (10, 20 and 40 fry/ L3), respectively. The results indicated that the best FCR, PER and FE group of fry stocked at 30 fry/ L3 than the rest of experimental groups. Stocking density also did not affect the crude protein and moisture content in body composition. But ash content was significantly highest at density 30 fry/ L3 than the rest of other stocking density (10. 20 and 40 fry/L3) groups. In contrast, total lipid was significantly highest at density 10 fry/L3 than the rest of experimental groups (20, 30 and 40 fry/L3). From the aforementioned results, it could be concluded that stocking density 30 fry/L3 had the best growth performance and feed utilization under experimental conditions.