Fish Feeding: Utilization of Rice Washing Water (RWW) and Fermented Citrus Peel (FCP) as culture Media for Bloodworms (Chironomus spp.)
Shaikh Ummae *
M.M. College of Arts, N.M. Institute of Science & H.R.J. College of Commerce, Bhavans Autonomous College, Mumbai, India.
B.M. Gore
M.M. College of Arts, N.M. Institute of Science & H.R.J. College of Commerce, Bhavans Autonomous College, Mumbai, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Bloodworms are a most common and significant food source for freshwater fish, and they are also used as lures for fishing. Rice washing water accommodates important soluble nutrients. Fermented Citrus Peel is also a magnificent source of nutrients. On a daily basis, we let go of numerous wastes that can be utilised for cost-effective culturing. A possible solution is to use (RWW) & (FCP) waste as nourishing sources for Bloodworms. The aim of this study was to estimate the better growth of Bloodworms that were fed with different concentrations of Rice Washing Water (RWW) and Fermented Citrus Peel (FCP). Analysis of variance and least significance difference were used as data analytics. The design for analysis obtained was testing with five treatments and three replicates. C1 = 0% rice wash water, 100% fermented citrus peel; C2 = 25% rice wash water, 75% fermented citrus peel; C3 = 50% rice wash water, 50% fermented citrus peel; C4 = 75% rice wash water, 25% fermented citrus peel; and C5 = 100% rice wash water, 0% fermented citrus peel. Altogether, the water quality lies in a temperature range of 23–28 °C, and a pH value of 6.5-8 implies an ideal environment for the growth of bloodworms. According to the results, treatment C3 showed the highest population density and growth rate.
Keywords: Bloodworm (Chironomus sp.), rice washing water, fermented citrus peel, formulating fish feed