Effects of periodic starvation on reproductive investment in first-time spawning Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua L.)
1995; Elsevier BV; Volume: 133; Issue: 2 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1016/0044-8486(94)00399-9
ISSN1873-5622
AutoresØrjan Karlsen, Jens Chr. Holm, Olav Sigurd Kjesbu,
Tópico(s)Marine and fisheries research
ResumoPrior to the onset of sexual maturation 1-year-old farmed Atlantic cod were either subjected to periods of short-term starvation ranging from 3 to 9 weeks (3 alternating periods of 3 weeks starvation separated by 1 week of feeding) in duration or were held on full rations from July to November. At spawning the fish that had been starved for 9 weeks weighed 60% of those held on full rations. The fish held on full rations had significantly higher fecundities than the fish that had been starved for 9 weeks, but these differences were related to differences in body size; relative fecundities were similar for fish in both groups. Reduced growth and liver sizes in feed-restricted groups did not result in lower proportions of maturing fish. Thus, the imposition of short periods of starvation did not solve the problem of early maturation in cod culture. Throughout a combined starvation and spawning period from January until May, females lost more of initial total, somatic and liver weight than males. The analysis showed that, in total, females invested more in reproduction than males.
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