Abstract:Feed conversion ratio (FCR) is a measure of efficiency in converting feed into increased body mass. Tra-ditionally used methods are time-consuming and labor intensive, and accuracy needs improvement. Wedescribe a specially designed collector in a recirculating system that retains uneaten pelleted feed fordetermination of feed consumption. The collector and pellet count method were validated in 8–11 daytests with three fish species. FCRs were compared with those obtained by weighing feed. The countmethod increased accuracy of the FCR, streamlined the procedure after the uneaten pellets were col-lected, and results were not affected by inclusion of fecal matter. Mean FCR calculated by the countmethod (0.42 ± 0.05) was smaller than by the traditional weigh method (0.61 ± 0.19). The collector usedwith a recirculating aquaculture system and the count method is a promising technique for accuratedetermination of FCR in aquaculture research.
Li W, Wei QW, Luo H. Special collector and count method in a recirculating aquaculture system for calculation of feed conversion ratio in fish. Aquacultural Engineerin, 2014, 60(0): 63-67.