Feeding attractants and stimulants for aquatic animals

Abstract

Feeding attractants and stimulants were compared by behavioral observation for the black abalone Haliotis discus, the oriental weatherfish Misgurnus anguillicaudatus, and the yellowtail Seriola quinqueradiata. Attraction activities were estimated by applying a logistic curve (y=g/{1+exp[-r(x-a)]}) to the cumulated number polygons of the individuals entered into or retained in the baited sector, while stimulation activities were estimated by comparing average feed intake of the test diet with that of the control. Feeding attraction and stimulation activities of sugars and nucleic acid related compounds were varied depending on target animals. All attractants and stimulants were not necessarily coincided with each other. Feeding attractants, which orientate the animals toward the feed by distant perception, and feeding stimulants, which enhance feed intake by contact perception, should be distinguished.