A 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. 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.