Quality of feed stored in automatic feeders in fish farming

Abstract

In this study the efficiency of the material of different structures (automatic feeders and storage box) in storage of the feed in fish farms was evaluated. The types of feeders tested were: AFP (floating polyethylene feeder) AFM (fixed metal feeder) and CAF (fiberglass water box). Samples of feed were collected at the opening of the package (collected from different points of the package), then on days 1, 3, 5 and 7 days at five points inside the feeders. The evaluation of the quality of the feed was evaluated through bromatological and TBARS analyzes. During the sample collection period, atmospheric and ambient air temperature and humidity were also measured inside the structures. It was verified that the feeder's structural material interferes with the quality of the feed, but the period is the variable that most influences. In the floating feeder, greater internal moisture was observed on days 3 and 7 (P <0.05). The rations underwent alterations detrimental to their quality over time due to the variation in the composition and the TBARS activity. In this experiment the fiber material presented higher efficiency in the maintenance of feed quality when compared to the others, so it is suggested new technologies or another type of structure to maintain the quality of the stock feed. Although the feed loses quality on the first day, it is not recommended to leave the feed inside the structure for more than three days.