NUTRITION AND FEEDING 253 



earthen ponds. This method generally results in low yields and is 

 unpredictable. 



Interest in supplemental feeding of bass has been renewed in recent 

 years due to successful experimental use of formulated pelleted feeds with 

 largemouth bass fingerlings. Attempts to train swim- up bass fry to feed 

 exclusively on formulated feeds or ground fish flesh have been unsuccess- 

 ful, despite the use of a variety of training techniques. The best success in 

 supplemental feeding has been obtained by rearing bass fry on natural feed 

 to an average length of 2 inches in earthen ponds before they are put on 

 an intensive training program to accept formulated feed. A moist feed, such 

 as the Oregon moist pellet, or a quality dry feed such as the W-7 coolwa- 

 ter fish feed may be employed. The success of this program has been corre- 

 lated with initial fingerling size, coupled with sound management practices. 

 The following steps are suggested for an intensive feeding program with 

 bass: 



By conventional techniques, rear bass fingerlings on natural feed in 

 earthen ponds to an average total length of 2.0 inches. Harvest and move 

 fish to raceways and tanks. Grade fish carefully to eliminate "cannibals," 

 because uniformly sized fingerlings are needed. Stock the tanks at 0.15-0.4 

 pounds per cubic foot of water (3,000—7,500 fingerlings per tank). 



Treat the fish prophylactically with 4 parts per million acriflavine for 4 

 hours. Heavy parasite infestations may require treatment with formalin or a 

 similar chemical. Provide ample aeration during treatment. 



Begin feeding a -j^-inch feed granule the following day. Feed at 1- to 2- 

 hour intervals, five or more times daily. Feed slowly and carefully because 

 bass will not pick up sunken food particles from the bottom of the tank. 

 Automatic feeders are excellent for this purpose. 



If fish are reluctant to feed, supplement the granule with ground fresh or 

 frozen fish. 



Clean tanks twice daily and remove all dead fish daily. 



Begin feeding a ^-inch granule as soon as the fingerlings are feeding 

 well and able to ingest it. 



Perform grading as needed to reduce cannibalism. 



After 10-14 days, 65-75% of the fish should be on feed. Reports of 

 90-95% success are not unusual. The fish should double their weight dur- 

 ing this 2-week period. 



At 2-3 weeks, remove all nonfeeders and move the fish to ponds or race- 

 ways. Stock ponds at 10,000 per acre. Feed and maintain fish in a res- 

 tricted area for 2-3 days, then release them to the remainder of the pond. 



Grow the bass to 4 inches on a ^-inch pellet. Table 30 presents a sug- 

 gested feeding guide that can be used when formulated dry feeds are given 

 to bass fingerlings in raceways or ponds. 



