Different feed source and starvation and re-feeding cycles effects on growth performance and food intake of asian catfish (Pangasianadon hypophthalmus Sauvage, 1878) under cage culture conditions in Cukurova region

Study was conducted in Unalan Fish Culture Unit in Seyhan Dam Lake Adana-Turkey. In this research two different commercial feed and starvation and re-feeding cycles effects on growth performance and body chemical composition of asian catfish (Pangasianadon hypophthalmus). For his purpose a total 720 young fish (14±0.75 g) were stocked as triplicate in 6 groups (totally 18 cages). The experimental groups were designed as SY (feeding with commercial carp feed), AY (feeding with commercial trout feed), SY&1A+6T (1 days starvation and 6 days feeding with commercial carp feed), SY&2A+5T (2 days starvation and 5 days feeding with commercial carp feed), AY&1A+6T (1 day starvation and 6 days feeding with commercial trout feed), AY&2A+5T (2 days starvation and 5 days feeding with commercial trout feed). Each experimental group was fed 4 times a day during the feeding period. Experiment was lasted for 77 days. At the end of the study best SGR value was obtained from group AY. The lowest FCR values were observed from group AY and SY&2A+5T. According to results of the analyses of dry matter and crude ash, there were no statistical differences among the groups (p<0.05). Although crude protein values of whole body of SY, SY&1A+6T and SY&2A+5T were found higher than those of group AY, AY&1A+6T and AY&2A+5T. Whole body lipid percentages of AY, AY&1A+6T and AY&2A+5T were found higher. As a result, trout feed is more suitable for best growing for cage culture of Asian catfish in Çukurova region in Seyhan Dam Lake.