Mass production of rotifer (Branchionus calyciflorus) for aquaculture in south-eastern Nigeria

In this research, mass production of freshwater rotifer, Branchionus calyciflorus, for aquaculture in south-eastern Nigeria, using different food types (Chlorella sp., Spirulina sp and Baker’s yeast) was investigated. Rotifer stock culture was prepared using Nitrogen phosphorus Potassium, (NPK) + urea (50 : 2.5 g) and chicken droppings (25 g) with freshly grown alga. Different food concentrations (150, 300, 650 and 1000 mg/ml) and feeding intervals (2x and 3x per day) were used to grow B. calyciflorus in a Batch culture method. The highest population growth was attained with 650 mg/ml of Chlorella sp. (213.81±9.94 individuals/ml), followed by Baker’s yeast (196.67±8.18 individuals/ml) and 300 mg/ml of Spirulina sp. (151.90±7.98 individuals/ml). The least population growth of B. calyciflorus was recorded with 150 mg/ml concentration of Chlorella sp. and Spirulina sp. (81.43±6.19 and 75.71±5.12 individuals/ml, respectively), and 1000 mg/ml of Baker’s yeast (from local market) (65.24 ±3.86 individuals/ml). The peak population growth was attained on day 8 of experiment (p < 0.05). This study indicated that both the quantity and quality of food type have significant role on mass production of rotifer for aquaculture.   Key words: Branchionus calyciflorus, mass production, aquaculture, fish farm, Nigeria.