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Abstract

Feeding frequency significantly impacts the survival rates of juvenile fish in aquaculture. This study investigated the effects of different feeding frequencies on rainbow trout fry with an average weight of 3 grams each at the Nagoha Biodiversity Center, Barikot (Swat). A total of 45,000 fry were distributed across five raceways and subjected to feeding frequencies of 8, 4, 3, and 2 times per day. The findings revealed varying survival rates across feeding frequencies. Fry fed 8 times per day exhibited an average survival rate of 98.7% (range 96.3% to 99.9%). Fry fed 4 times per day showed a slightly higher rate of 98.8%. Fry fed 3 times per day had a survival rate of 91.1% and those fed 2 times per day had a survival rate of 98.7%. The higher survival rate for 4 feedings/day compared to 8 feedings/day may be attributed to reduced stress from less frequent handling, better water quality due to less frequent feeding or potential overfeeding in the 8 feedings/day group. These findings highlight the importance of optimizing feeding strategies to maximize fry survival in aquaculture.