Frequência alimentar na produção de juvenis de tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) em tanques-rede.

Abstract

Research in the area of feed management of native fish species has been carried out with the aim of developing a technological package to improve aquaculture. The tambaqui Colossoma macropomum is native to the Amazon region and is highly appreciated by the population and its breeding in captivity has been increasingly studied. The results show that the species presents good performance in confined environments, good resistance to management and good acceptance of formulated diets. The feed management of C. macropomum is a fundamental attribute for its production, since it is related to a considerable portion of the production costs in fish farming. The period and time of feeding and feeding frequency are important factors that are directly linked to the biology and behavior of the species, therefore, studies aimed at establishing the best frequency and periods and times of feeding should be carried out to optimize the feeding of the species. The study aimed to evaluate the use of different frequencies and feeding times to evaluate the performance and blood parameters in C. macropomum juveniles. The experiment lasted 60 days and was carried out in 0.5x 0.5x0.7 m cages (width, length and height), at an initial density of 30 fish/tank. The experimental design was completely randomized, with six treatments and three replications: T1M: one meal a day, at 8h; T1B: one meal a day, at 14h; T2A: two meals a day, at 8 and 14h; T2B: two meals a day, at 8 and 16h; T3: three meals a day, at 8, 12 am and 16h; and, T4: four meals a day, at 8, 10, 14 and 16h. At the end of the experiment, survival was similar between treatments and the increase in feeding frequency led to an increase in consumption, performance and blood parameters glucose, triglycerides and cholesterol. Fish fed one meal in the afternoon performed better than those fed only once in the morning. The frequency and period of feeding change the performance and blood parameters analyzed in this study in C. macropomum juveniles reared in cages. Feeding frequency at two (8 and 16h) to three meals is recommended for better performance and, if the chosen management is one meal, this should be done in the afternoon (16h).