Publication Date

2014-12-05

Availability

Open access

Embargo Period

2014-12-05

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Marine Affairs and Policy (Marine)

Date of Defense

2014-11-03

First Committee Member

Daniel D. Benetti

Second Committee Member

Maria L. Estevanez

Third Committee Member

Federico Rotman

Abstract

The rotifer (Brachionus plicatilis) is an essential feed organism for successful marine larviculture. Cost effective feeding regimes and the control of harmful bacteria are critical components of rotifer production. Supplementation of commercial diets with yeast can reduce costs, but its effects on bacteria such as Vibrio spp. are not well documented. Two experiments were conducted to identify a practical culture diet. The first experiment evaluates different commercial diets on rotifer growth and total Vibrio. The second experiment determines a practical level of yeast substitution, with regard to rotifer growth, culture Vibrio loads, and cost. The diets evaluated in the first trial include INVE S.parkle, Reed RotiGrow Nannochloropsis, Reed Tetraselmis, and Aquafauna Bio-marine Algamac Protein Plus. The second trial substituted yeast for 50%, 75%, and 85% of the top performing commercial diet from the first trial. Total rotifer growth (%) and Vibrio (CFU rotifer-1) were measure in both trials, and results were evaluated with one-way ANOVAs and Tukey post-hoc tests. Rotifer growth was highest for INVE S.parkle and Reed RotiGrow Nannochloropsis. Reed Tetraselmis contained the lowest Vibrio (CFU rotifer-1) on day 2 and was significantly different than all other treatments. In the second experiment, no significant differences were found in growth between levels of yeast substitution for S.parkle. There was, however, a significantly greater concentration of Vibrio within the 75% substitution group on day 3.

Keywords

Rotifer; diet; yeast

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