The effect of four commercial feeding regimes on the occurrence of bone deformities in juvenile Seriola lalandi (Valenciennes 1833)

Student: 
Marie Defraigne

The Kingfish company is an aquaculture company responsible for culturing yellowtail kingfish (YTK), Seriola lalandi. Wellbeing and respect for the fish are priority for the Kingfish company. However, prevalence of skeletal malformations are, just as in other aquaculture companies, high compared to wild populations. The aim of this thesis research was to find an a Whole Foods Market compliant feeding regime for 29 – 46 days after hatching (dah) fish that could reduce prevalence of bone deformities and improve performance. This was obtained by analysing growth, mortality and bone deformities of one Whole Food Market non-compliant feeding regime and three Whole Food Market compliant feeding regimes. In addition, length measurements were associated with prevalence of bone deformities for the Kingfish hatchery to assist the company in fast recognition of bone deformities by means of length measurements at 46 dah. The Whole Foods Market non-compliant feeding regime had a lower mortality rate than two Whole Foods Market compliant feeding regimes and no significant differences were found between the Wholefoods compliant feeding regimes. Due to errors and time limitations, no further results can be discussed with certainty. Therefore it is recommended to perform this research again with the adaptions suggested in the recommendations.