Effect of three feeding strategies (automatic, ad libitum demand-feeding and time-restricted demand-feeding) on feeding rhythms and growth in European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L)

We studied the effect of automatic-feeding (A), ad libitum demand-feeding (D) and time-restricted demand-feeding (RD) on the feeding rhythm and growth performance of European sea bass maintained under natural summer conditions. RD and A had access to feed during three meals a day of 1 h duration each (08:00-09:00, 16.00-17:00 and 00:00-01:00). Feeding demands in D showed daily rhythms that varied according to both water temperature and photoperiod. When submitted to system RD, their feeding patterns were strongly associated with periods of feed availability. Feeding strategies affected both biomass increase and feed efficiency ratio. the worst results being obtained in A. On the other hand, the feeding system had no effect on body composition nor on weight homogeneity of the different groups. These results showed that sea bass can adapt to different feeding strategies, although for maximum benefit to be gained from the diet, these strategies should reflect the feeding rhythms of the fish. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.