the effect of dietary protein and lipid on juvenile halibut

T.J. Blair, J.D. Castell, S. Mercer, F. Powel-1999

Bulletin of the Aquaculture Association of Canada, 99-4: 16-18

Summary:

Growth and survival of juvenile halibut fed different diets were compared. Four diets were formulated with constant protein (P) levels (50%) and varied lipid (L) amounts (13 to 22%). Five diets were isocaloric and varied in protein level (40 to 60%). The 50% diet was the same as the 13% L, so only 8 diets were used. After 10 wk, fish fed 60% P were significantly larger than those on other protein treatments. Protein level affected survival, with fish fed 60% P having significantly higher survival, followed by 55% P having significantly higher survival than diets containing 45 or 50% P. Lipid level had no significant effect on either fish weight or survival. Fish receiving the 60% P diet had an average feed conversion of 1.0 +/- 1.5. Fish fed the 40% P diet lost weight and the feed conversion value was negative. It appears that juvenile halibut have a high protein requirement that is not spared by increasing dietary lipid.

(Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Biological Station, 531 Brandy Cove Road, St. Andrews, NB, Canada E5B 2L9)


home