The energy requirements of Eurasian perch (Perca fluviatilis L.) in intensive culture

Abstract

Fish feed constitutes one of the largest costs in aquaculture, therefore inefficient feed management will have a negative impact on fish farm economics. Eurasian perch (Perca fluviatilis L.) is a relatively new candidate for freshwater aquaculture, however little is known about the energy requirements of this species. The aim of this study was to develop an energy requirement model for intensive culture of Eurasian perch reared at rational temperatures. Data on growth (the thermal unit growth coefficient, TGC, 3√g · (°C · days)−1) and digestible energy need (DEN, kJ DE · g−1) of Eurasian perch at a size range of 20–180 g and at temperatures of 17–23 °C were used. Regression analysis revealed that both TGC and DEN were affected significantly by fish size (P < 0.001) but not by temperature (P > 0.05). Two models including body size of the fish were developed: (i) an inverse TGC model for evaluation of the daily theoretical weight increment (TWi, g · day−1) and (ii) a linear DEN model. The TGC model was validated by comparing theoretical data with data obtained from a commercial growth trial. By combining the TWi and the DEN, a model describing the daily theoretical energy requirement (TER, kJ · day−1) at different temperatures and for Eurasian perch of different sizes was successfully developed.

The effect of geographical origin of perch (Perca fluviatilis L. 1758) populations on growth rates under natural and aquaculture conditions: a review

“…Perch growth in RAS systems is also affected by the level of animal breeding care, as was demonstrated in an experiment that showed a poor growth rate in disturbed fish (Strand, ). This was probably related to a higher sensitivity of perch to stress (Jentoft et al., ).…”

“…In late autumn, perch migrate to deep, cool water for over-wintering (Wang and Eckmann, 1994;Craig, 2000;Rougeot et al, 2008a). During winter, feed intake and growth are low, and metabolic rates are reduced to a greater extent than would be expected at low temperatures (Strand, 2009).…”

“…On the other hand, in perch larvae two contradictory recommendations are in the literature for black tanks (Jentoft et al, 2006) and for light grey and white tanks (Tamazouzt et al, 2000). Perch growth in RAS systems is also affected by the level of animal breeding care, as was demonstrated in an experiment that showed a poor growth rate in disturbed fish (Strand, 2009). This was probably related to a higher sensitivity of perch to stress (Jentoft et al, 2005).…”

Low effect of different feeding regimes on growth and feed conversion efficiency of juvenile Eurasian perch (Perca fluviatilis )

“…Fiogbé and Kestemont () determined optimal rations of 4.5% and 2.2% for perch of 1.56 g and 18.9 g, respectively, whereas slightly lower values were calculated by Mélard, Kestemont and Grignard () and Strand et al . (). Hence, the ration given in our study was in or close to the optimal range.…”

“…Since the mid‐1990s, research efforts have been increased to build a scientific basis for a successful aquaculture of Eurasian perch Perca fluviatilis , including studies on optimal diet composition and rations (e.g. Fiogbé, Kestemont, Mélard & Micha ; Fontaine, Gardeur, Kestemont & Georges ; Kestemont, Vandeloise, Mélard, Fontaine & Brown ; Fiogbé & Kestemont ; Strand, Overton & Alanärä ). However, the effects of different feeding frequencies and timing of the meals have so far not been considered in detail.…”