Biofloc technology (BFT) improves the productive performance and survival rate of Salminus brasiliensis

The aim of this study was to evaluate the productive performance and survival rate of dourado (Salminus brasiliensis) in biofloc technology (BFT) and in a traditional system with 20% water renewal per day. The design was completely randomized with two treatments and four replications. The experimental units were composed of aquariums with a useful volume of 50 L and constant aeration, with 20 fish (4.12 g; 6.25 cm) allocated in each. In treatment with the traditional system, 10 L of water was siphoned from the aquariums every day during the 28 days of the experimental period. Water quality, productive performance, survival, and body score analysis for injuries were evaluated. Better water quality was observed in the BFT production system. No significant differences were observed at the end of the experiment for average weight, length (standard and total), daily weight gain, and specific growth rate. The results of feed conversion ratio, final biomass, and biomass gain were better (P < 0.05) for fish in BFT (1.44; 155.33 g; and 72.88 g/day) compared to the traditional system with partial water renewal (1.84; 128.1 g; and 45.5 g/day). Survival and body score analysis for injuries were better (P < 0.05) in fish maintained in BFT. In conclusion, the BFT production system provides a decrease in aggressiveness, better production performance, and survival rates and thus is more suitable for S. brasiliensis production in the initial phase compared to the traditional system with partial water renewal.