A novel konjac glucomannan-xanthan gum binder for aquaculture feeds: the effect of binder configuration on formulated feed stability, feed palatability and growth performance of the Japanese abalone, Haliotis discus hannai
As part of a programme to develop sustainable diets for macroalgivores, a 3-month experiment was conducted to determine the effects of konjac glucomannan–xanthan gum (KX) binder configuration on formulated feed stability, feed palatability and growth performance of juvenile, hatchery-reared, Haliotis discus hannai. This study was conducted in a recirculation facility in which four KX binder configurations were evaluated in a series of isonitrogenous experimental feeds and freshly harvested Laminaria digitata was included as a natural feed type. Dry matter leaching of the experimental feed treatments was assessed with no significant difference in the dry matter leaching between treatments observed. No differences (P > 0.05) were found in percentage survival, daily food consumption (DFC) and linear growth rate (LGR) between treatments. Food conversion efficiency (FCE), specific growth rate (SGR) and body weight/shell length (BW/SL) ratio were significantly higher when offered L. digitata. Trends showed that the best performing KX feed in terms of FCE, LGR, SGR and BW/SL ratio was produced with the 2% KX; 1 : 1 binder.