In the marine fish industry, the initial stages of larval rearing are crucial for determining the future health and quality of juvenile fish. A holistic approach that considers egg quality, environmental conditions, feeding, and nutrition is necessary for hatchery success. BioMar has been focusing on enhancing live feed and dry feed strategies to help hatcheries improve results while reducing costs.
BioMar’s complete live feed enrichment formula, LARVIVA Multigain, has been optimized over time to provide essential nutrients required by marine fish larvae. This includes a focus on phospholipids and features Bactocell, a probiotic that promotes a healthy gut microbiome.
Trials conducted by BioMar have developed protocols to optimize Omega-3-HUFA levels in both total lipids and phospholipids. The trials indicate that both the duration of enrichment and the dose of LARVIVA Multigain are critical for optimal fatty acid incorporation. BioMar also created a computer model to help hatcheries adjust parameters to predict enrichment outcomes or set desired phospholipid DHA levels.
For best results, transitioning from enriched live prey to a high-quality microdiet like LARVIVA ProStart can significantly impact larval development. However, adapting feeding practices to match facility characteristics is also important.
BioMar conducted large-scale trials with seabream larvae using LARVIVA ProStart feeding protocols. These trials aimed to assess if prolonged use of this microdiet throughout larval rearing showed advantages over standard diets. Findings indicated enhanced performance when using LARVIVA ProStart until weaning completion compared to standard diets.
Cost-efficiency analysis revealed significant cost reductions when extending LARVIVA ProStart use through the entire larval cycle despite its higher price compared to standard diets.
Producing high-quality marine larvae requires attention to detail due to complex factors affecting culture units. Enriching rotifers and Artemia with necessary fatty acids is vital for meeting nutritional needs of fish larvae, supported by products like LARVIVA Multigain. The transition onto dry diets like LARVIVA ProStart further enhances culture performance while reducing production costs.
The study concludes that adopting effective live feed and microdiet feeding protocols with products such as LARVIVA Multigain and LARVIVA ProStart can significantly boost hatchery success by improving survival rates and overall health of fish larvae.