Optimum Feeding Rate of the Rotifer Brachionus plicatilis on the Marine Alga Nannochloropsis sp. |
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| Authors: | Abu Talib Ahmad Shigehisa Yamasam Hachiro Hirata |
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| Institution: | Fisheries Research Institute, 17000 Gelugor, Penang, Malaysia;Faculty of Fisheries, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890, Japan |
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| Abstract: | The optimum feeding rate of the rotifer Bruchionus plicutilis was investigated to determine the best conditions for growth of the rotifer, and also in order to maintain good water quality of the culture. Fifty rotifers of a large size strain were cultured individually at five food density levels of Nannoehloropsis sp. (0.5 ± 106, 1.5 ± 106, 3 ± 106, 5 ± 106, and 8 ± 106 cells/ml). At each level, daily survival and offspring production were recorded until the death of the final individual. The data obtained were analyzed by the life table method. The maximum value of three growth indices (the net reproduction rate, mean life expectancy at age 0, and intrinsic rate of increase) was obtdned at the food density of 1.5 ± 106 cells/ml. The ration size was calculated to be 325% (dry weight)/ day, which is equivalent to about 70% of the saturated feeding rate. It was suggested that the feeding rate should be controlled to lower than the saturated value for an efficient mass culture. |
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