Short-term cycles of feed deprivation and refeeding promote full compensatory growth in the Amazon fish matrinxã (Brycon amazonicus)

• We evaluated feeding protocols of feed deprivation and refeeding in matrinxã, an Amazon fish.
• The matrinxã displayed compensatory growth even with a reduction of nearly 40% of the feed offered.
• Compensatory growth of matrinxã was triggered by either hyperphagia or improved feed efficiency.
• The feeding protocol used represents an effective tool to reduce production costs.

Developing nutritional strategies that can reduce production costs for the fish industry without affecting productive performance is paramount to make the activity sustainable. We investigated if short-term cycles of feed deprivation and refeeding elicit compensatory growth in matrinxã (Brycon amazonicus) juveniles, using three feeding protocols for 60 days (Phase 1): two levels of deprivation (feed deprivation for two days and refeeding for three — D2R3, or four days — D2R4) and a control level (daily feeding). Following, all fish groups were fed daily at satiation for 15 days (Phase 2). At Phase 1, matrinxã achieved full compensatory growth in both deprivation levels by increasing feed intake and feed efficiency. Overall, deprived fish consumed 40% (D2R3) and 36% (D2R4) less feed than fish fed daily. In Phase 2, growth was similar for all fish. Feed intake increased in both deprived fish, but feed efficiency did not differ among groups and was lower than in Phase 1, indicating a reduced efficiency in feed utilization when food was freely available. We propose that intermittent cycles of feeding represent an effective means to reduce production costs.