Partial Substitution of Fresh Microalgae with Baker’s Yeast (<i>Saccharomyces cerevisiae</i>) Enhances the Growth of Juvenile <i>Ostrea edulis</i> and <i>Ruditapes decussatus</i>

Abstract

The hatchery culture of bivalve mollusks depends on feeding with fresh microalgae which represent up to 50% of the production costs. We investigated the growth performance of juvenile Ostrea edulis and Ruditapes decussatus under 15% and 30% replacement of microalgae with Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Metabolic indices were measured along with weight-specific growth rate and condition index for 28 days. 15% substitution led to great results, whereas 30% yeast-fed treatments displayed poor growth and a depressed metabolism.

Keywords

• aquaculture
• bivalves
• yeast
• microalgae substitution