Enhancing early weaning strategies through artificial feeding regimes for Channa striata larvae

This study aimed to determine the appropriate timing for substituting live feed with artificial feed in the rearing of Channa striata larvae. The larvae at the age of 2 days after hatching (DAH) with an average initial length and weight of 6.27 ± 0.88 mm and 0.53 ± 0.01 mg, respectively, were used as the experimental biota. Larvae were randomly distributed into 16 containers, with a stocking density of 350 individuals per container. The study was conducted with four treatments, each with four replications. The larvae were co-fed Moina sp. and artificial feed at 6, 8, 10, and 12 DAH with a reduction of Moina sp. starting from 0.5% to 5.0%. The measured parameters showed the most favorable results when initiating artificial feeding at 12 DAH with survival rate of 89.52 ± 4.49%, and specific growth rate of 15.67 ± 0.25% per day with artificial feed conversion ratio of 51.79 ± 0.09. The enzyme activity and intestinal histology showed the effect of the co-feeding regime on intestinal development. Finally, the present study revealed that the weaning period for C. striata larvae could be conducted at 12–16 DAH and artificial feeding may be implemented at 17 DAH.