Differences in Growth in Blue Catfish Ictalurus furcatus and Channel Catfish Z. punctatus Fed Low-Protein Diets With and Without Supplemental Methionine and/or Lysine

Three feeding experiments were conducted to evaluate growth and body composition in blue caffish Ictalurus furcatus or channel caffish I. punctatus when fed diets containing 22% protein with or without supplemented methionine and/or lysine. All experiments were conducted in 110‐L aquaria that were part of a recirculating system. In Experiment 1,15 juvenile blue catfish (2.7 g) were randomly stocked into aquaria and fed one of three diets containing different (22%, 27%, and 32%) percentages of protein. Fish were fed twice daily to excess for 10 wk. In Experiment 2, juvenile blue catfish (5.4 g) were randomly stocked into aquaria and fed one of six diets containing either 22% (diet 1) or 32% (diet 2) protein. The diet containing 22% protein (diet 1) had either 0.3% crystalline L‐methionine (diet 3), 0.4% crystalline L‐lysine (diet 4), or 0.3% L‐methionine + 0.4% L‐lysine (diet 5) added. A sixth diet was formulated to contain 32% protein and 0.2% crystalline L‐methionine. Fish were fed in excess for 12 wk. In Experiment 3, juvenile channel caffish (10.3 g) were stocked and fed diets 14 from Experiment 2, twice daily in excess for 8 wk. In Experiment 1, after 10 wk, final individual weight, weight gain (%), and specific growth rate (SGR) of blue catfish fed diets containing three protein levels were not significantly different (P > 0.05) and averaged 12.9 g, 378%, and 2.2%/d, respectively. Fish fed the diet containing 27% protein had higher (P < 0.05) whole‐body protein (65.4%) compared to fish fed diets containing either 22% or 32% protein. In Experiment 2, final weight, weight gain (%) and SGR of blue catfish were not significantly (P > 0.05) different among diets and averaged 24.7 g, 355%, and 1.8%/d, respectively. Percentage whole‐body protein and lipid were not significantly (P > 0.05) different between fish fed diets containing 22% or 32% protein. In Experiment 3, channel caffish fed a diet containing 32% protein had significantly (P > 0.05) higher final individual weight, weight gain (%), and SGR compared to fish fed diets containing 22% protein, with and without supplemental methionine or lysine. Results indicate that blue catfish may be able to utilize a diet with 22% protein, and that addition of crystalline methionine and/or lysine did not improve growth. However, channel catfish grown in aquaria did not appear to have similar growth when fed a diet containing 22% protein compared to fish fed 32% protein, even when supplemental methionine or lysine was added. Further research on blue catfish and the use of a low‐protein diet (22% protein) needs to be conducted in ponds.     

Comparison of Various Animal Protein Sources for Growth, Feed Efficiency, and Body Composition of Juvenile Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus

A laboratory study was conducted to compare different animal protein sources in diets containing 32% protein for channel catfish Ictalurus punrtatus . The experimental diets were practical-type diets and formulated to meet or exceed all known nutrient requirements for channel catfish. Twenty juvenile channel catfish (initial weight: 6.4 g/fish) were stocked into each of 25 110-L flow-through aquaria (five aquaria/treatment). Fish were fed twice daily to approximate satiation for 9 wk. Fish in each aquarium were counted and weighed collectively every 3 wk. No significant differences were observed in feed consumption, weight gain, feed efficiency, survival, percentages visceral fat and fillet yield, or proximate composition of fillets among channel catfish fed diets containing either 5% menhaden fish meal, meat and bone/blood meal, catfish by-product meal, poultry by-product meal, or hydrolyzed feather meal with supplemental lysine. The data indicate that these animal protein sources can be used interchangeably in diets for channel catfish without affecting fish growth, feed efficiency, or body composition.     

Effect of Dietary Protein Concentration and Feeding Rate on Weight Gain,Feed Efficiency,and Body Composition of Pond-Raised Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus1

Two experiments were conducted in earthen ponds to evaluate the effect of dietary protein concentration and feeding rate on weight gain, feed efficiency, and body composition of channel catfish. In Experiment 1, two dietary protein concentrations (28% or 32%) and four feeding rates (≤ 90. ≤ 112, ≤ 135 kg/ha per d, or satiation) were used in a factorial arrangement. Channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus fingerlings (average size: 27 g/fish) were stocked into 0.04-ha ponds at a rate of 24,700 fish/ha. Fish were fed once daily at the predetermined maximum feeding rates for 282 d (two growing seasons). In Experiment 2, three dietary protein concentrations (24, 28, or 32%) and two feeding rates (≤ 135 kg/ha per d or satiation) were used. Channel catfish (average size: 373 g/fish) were stocked into 0.04-ha ponds at a rate of 17,300 fish/ha. Fish were fed once daily for 155 d. In both experiments, five ponds were used for each dietary treatment. Results from Experiment 1 showed no differences in total feed fed, feed consumption per fish, weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), or survival between fish fed diets containing 28% and 32% protein diets. As maximum feeding rate increased, total feed fed, feed consumption per fish, and weight gain increased. There were no differences in total feed fed, feed consumption per fish, or weight gain between fish fed at ≤ 135 kg/ha per d and those fed to satiation. Fish fed the 28% protein diet had a lower percentage carcass dressout and higher percentage visceral fat than fish fed the 32% protein diet. Dietary protein concentrations of 28% or 32% had no effect on fillet protein, fat, moisture, and ash. Feeding rate did not affect FCR, survival, percentage carcass dressout, or fillet composition, except fillet fat. As feeding rate increased, percentage visceral fat increased. Fish fed at ≤ 90 kg/ha per d had a lower percentage fillet fat than fish fed at higher feeding rates. In Experiment 2, dietary protein concentration or maximum feeding rate did not affect total feed fed, feed consumption per fish, weight gain, FCR, or survival of channel catfish. Feeding rate had no effect on percentage carcass dressout and visceral fat, or fillet composition. This was due to the similar feed consumption by the fish fed at the two feeding rates. Fish fed the 24% protein diet had lower carcass dressout, higher visceral fat and fillet fat than those fed the 28% or 32% protein diet. Results from the present study indicate that both 28% and 32% protein diets provide satisfactory fish production, dressed yield, and body composition characteristics for pond-raised channel catfish fed a maximum rate of 90 kg/ha per d or ahove.     

Evaluation of Corn Gluten Feed as a Dietary Ingredient for Pond-Raised Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus

Abstract.— This study was conducted to evaluate corn gluten feed as an alternative feedstuff in the diet of pond-raised channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus . Three 32%-protein diets containing 0%, 25%, or 50% corn gluten feed were tested. Channel catfish fingerlings (average weight: 57 g/fish) were stocked into 15 0.04-ha ponds at a rate of 18,530 fish/ha. Five ponds were used for each dietary treatment. Fish were fed to satiation once daily for a 147-d growing period. No differences were observed in feed consumption, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, survival, or fillet protein concentration among fish fed the test diets. Fish fed diets containing 25% and 50% corn gluten feed exhibited a lower level of visceral fat and a higher carcass yield than fish fed the control diet without corn gluten feed. The diet containing 50% corn gluten feed resulted in a lower level of fillet fat and a higher level of moisture than the control diet. There were no visible differences in the coloration of skin or fillet of channel catfish fed diets with and without corn gluten feed. Results from this study indicated that channel catfish can efficiently utilize corn gluten feed at levels up to 50%n without adverse effect on feed palatability, weight gain, or feed efficiency. Corn gluten feed may be beneficial in reducing fattiness of channel catfish and improving carcass yield by reducing the digestible energy to protein ratio of the diet.     

Restricted and Satiate Feeding of Two Genetically Isolated Strains of Juvenile Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus Reared on 28% and 32% Protein Diets

A 10-wk growth comparison trial of two strains of channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus was conducted in 40 120-L flow-through aquaria using a 2 ± 2 × 2 factorial experiment design. The three factors evaluated were: strain (Norris and NWAC103), dietary protein level (28% and 32%), and feeding rate (restricted and satiate). Average initial weight (× SD) for the Norris strain was 3.0 ± 0.08 g/fish, while that of the NWAC103 strain was 4.7 ± 0.13 g/fish. The feeding rate for the satiated group was adjusted based on feeding observations. The feeding rate for the restricted group was adjusted to about ²/₃ of the satiate level. For both satiate and restricted feeding regimens, the NWAC103 strain consumed more feed than the Norris strain. Fish of Norris strain fed the 32% protein diet consumed more feed than fish fed the 28% protein diet; however, there were no differences in feed consumption in the NWAC103 fish fed the two protein diets. Regardless of feeding rate, the NWAC103 fish gained more weight and converted feed more efficiently than the Norris fish. Fillet composition was not affected by fish strain. Fish fed the 28% protein diet had a lower level of fillet protein than fish fed the 32% protein diet. In fish fed to satiation, a 32% protein diet resulted in a lower fillet fat level than a 28% protein diet, but no differences were observed in fillet fat levels between fish fed the two dietary protein levels for the restricted group. Results from the present study demonstrate that under laboratory conditions, the NWAC103 strain of channel catfish is superior to Norris strain in feed consumption, growth rate, and feed efficiency. Our data also indicate that either a 28% or 32% protein diet can be fed to either strain of channel catfish whether they are fed to satiation or fed a restricted ration with no detrimental effects on growth.     

Effects of varying dietary compositions using common feed ingredients on growth and feed efficiency of pond‐raised channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque)

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate various ingredient combinations in a 28% or 32% protein diet for optimum performance of channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus. All diets contained soybean meal and corn, but with or without cottonseed meal, wheat middlings or fish meal (FM). Channel catfish fingerlings were stocked into 0.04 ha earthen ponds at 18 530 fish ha^?1. Fish were fed one of eight diets once daily to apparent satiation for two growing seasons. Results demonstrated that the dietary ingredient composition used had significant effects on fish performance, but magnitude of differences was relatively small. Overall, diets containing FM resulted in greater weight gain (Experiments 1 and 2) and lower feed conversion ratio (Experiment 1) than fish fed all‐plant diets. However, certain combinations of plant ingredients provided the similar fish growth as some diets containing FM. There were no significant differences in weight gain between fish fed soybean meal–corn or soybean meal–corn–wheat middlings‐based diets with cottonseed meal or FM. The use of wheat middlings in the diet had no significant effects on fish production characteristics.     

Effect of Dietary Total Protein and Animal Protein on Growth and Feed Efficiency of Juvenile Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus and Their Response to Edwardsiella ictaluri Challenge

A laboratory study was conducted to evaluate effects of dietary total protein and animal protein source and concentration on growth and feed efficiency of juvenile channel catfish Ictalurus punctutus and their response to Edwardsiellu ictuluri challenge. Eight diets evaluated were: three diets containing either 28, 32, or 36% crude protein with 6% menhaden fish meal and 6% meat and bonehlood meal and five diets containing 32% crude protein with either no animal protein, 68 or 12% menhaden fish meal, or 6% or 12% meat and bonehlood meal, respectively. Twenty channel catfish with an average weight of 6.6 g/fish were stocked into each of forty 110-L flow-through aquaria (five aquaridtreatment). Fish were fed to approximate satiation twice daily for 9 wk. Fish in each tank were then exposed to E. ictaluri . There were no differences in feed consumption, weight gain, feed efficiency, and survival before and after challenge among fish fed diets containing 28, 32, or 36% protein with 6% menhaden fish meal and 6% meat and bone/ blood meal. Fish fed a 32% all-plant protein diet had weight gain and feed efficiency similar to fish fed diets containing 12% menhaden fish meal, but had a higher weight gain than fish fed a 32% protein diet containing 6% meat and bonehlood meal. No significant differences were observed in survival after E. ictuluri challenge among fish fed diets containing the various levels of animal proteins. Results indicate that dietary protein levels varying from 28% to 36% do not appear to affect growth, feed efficiency. and E. icraluri resistance or susceptibility in fingerling channel cattish fed to satiation and raised from approximately 7 to 56 g under laboratory conditions. Data also demonstrate that a 32% all-plant protein diet can be fed to small fingerling channel catfish without adversely affecting growth, feed efficiency, or resistance to E. ictuluri .     

Effects of Dietary Mycotoxins Produced by the Mold Fusarium moniliforme on Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus1

Channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus (initial weight: 6.1 g/fish) were fed eight diets containing the mold Fusarium moniliforme-cultured corn supplying 0.7, 2.5, 5, 10, 20, 40, 80, or 240 mg of the mycotoxin, fumonisin B₁ (FB₁)/kg diet under laboratory conditions for 12 wk. Fish fed diets containing FB₁ levels of 40 mg/kg and above showed reduced growth, feed consumption, and feed efficiency, but fish fed FB₁ concentrations of 20 mg/kg and below did not. The minimum level of FB₁ that depressed growth appeared to be between 20 and 40 mg/kg. Hematocrit was significantly lower for fish fed diets containing 80 and 240 mg FB,/kg than for fish fed diets containing lower levels of FB₁. Fish fed diets containing 40 mg FB₁kg and above had increased liver glycogen, increased vacuolation in nerve fibers, and perivascular lymphohistiocytic investment in the brain compared to fish fed diets containing lower levels of fumonisins. Results from this study indicate that FB₁ levels below 20 mg/kg diet are not a problem in commercial catfish feeds. However, it is prudent to screen for fumonisins in feed ingredients.     

Growth and Body Composition of Juvenile Hybrid Bluegill Lepomis cyanellus × L. macrochirus Fed Practical Diets Containing Various Percentages of Protein

Growth, survival, and body composition were evaluated in two feeding trials using juvenile hybrid bluegill Lepomis cyanellus × L. macrochirus . In Experiment 1, hybrid bluegill (20 g) were stocked into 1.25-m³ cages at a rate of 300 fish/cage and fed diets containing 35, 40, 44, or 48% protein for 12 wk. Fish meal comprised 32% of the dietary protein in all diets. Fish were fed all they could consume in 40 min. No significant differences ( P > 0.05) in individual length, individual weight, specific growth rate (SGR), condition factor (K), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were found among treatments and averaged 13.4 cm, 47.4 g, 1.02%/d, 1.96, and 4.06, respectively. Whole-body composition of hybrid bluegill indicated that fish fed a diet containing 35% protein had a significantly lower ( P < 0.05) percentage protein (56.3%) and a higher ( P < 0.05) percentage lipid (29.3%) compared to fish fed diets containing 40, 44, and 48% protein. In Experiment 2, 15 hybrid bluegill (15 g) were stocked into 110-L aquaria and fed one of four diets containing 28, 32, 36, or 38% protein for 10 wk. Fish were fed twice daily all they would consume in 20 min. Fish fed a diet containing 38% protein had higher ( P < 0.05) percentage weight gain (265%) than fish fed diets containing 28% (203%) and 32% (219%) protein, but were not significantly different ( P > 0.05) compared to fish fed a diet containing 36% protein (251%). Feed conversion ratio (FCR) of hybrid bluegill fed diets containing 36% and 38% protein (average 1.39) were significantly lower ( P < 0.05) than fish fed a diet with 28% protein (1.73). Results from these studies indicate that hybrid bluegill can be fed a practical diet containing 35–36% protein (with fish meal comprising 32% of the protein). Further refinement of the diet formulation may allow producers to reduce diet and production costs.     

Effects of Dietary Chlorella ellipsoidea Supplementation on Growth, Blood Characteristics, and Whole-Body Composition in Juvenile Japanese Flounder Paralichthys olivaceus

The study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary Chlorella powder (C) supplementation on growth performance, blood characteristics, and whole-body composition in juvenile Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus . Four experimental diets were supplemented with C at 0, 1, 2 and 4% (C₀, C₁, C₂, and C₄) on a dry-weight basis. Three replicate groups of fish averaging 1.13 ± 0.02 g (Mean ± SD) were randomly distributed in each aquarium and fed one of four experimental diets for 12 wk. After 12 wk of the feeding trial, fish fed C₂ diet had higher weight gain (WG), feed efficiency (FE), and protein efficiency ratio (PER) than did fish fed C₀ and C₁ diets ( P 0.05); however, there was no significant difference among fish fed C₁ and C₄ diets, and among fish fed C₂ and C₄ diets ( P > 0.05). Fish fed C₂ and C₄ diets had a lower serum cholesterol level than did fish fed C₀ and C₁ diets ( P 0.05). Fish fed C₂ and C₄ diets had a lower body fat than did fish fed C₀ ( P 0.05). These results indicate that dietary supplementation of 2% Chlorella powder in the commercial diets could improve growth, feed utilization, serum cholesterol level, and whole-body fat contents in juvenile Japanese flounder.     

Enrichment of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) fillets with conjugated linoleic acid and omega-3 fatty acids by dietary manipulation

An experiment was conducted in aquaria with channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) to determine the efficacy of augmenting fillets with conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and omega-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids (n − 3 HUFA) by feeding diets amended with products containing high levels of these nutrients. Refined menhaden fish oil at 1.5% of diet supplied the n − 3 HUFA. CLA was used at dietary levels of 0.5% and 1% with a preparation that contained approximately 65% isomers of CLA. Corn oil was added to the basal diet at maximum inclusion level for added lipids of 3% for the control diet and to adjust total added lipid content of the other diets to 3%. Average initial body weight was 57.39 ± 0.25 g/fish. Six experimental diets were fed twice daily to four replicate aquaria for six weeks. At that time, fish were group weighed for determination of weight gain and feed conversion. Fillets of six fish per aquarium were recovered and stored at − 80 °C for moisture and total lipid analyses, fatty acid analysis, and sensory evaluation. Results showed feed consumption and feed conversion did not differ (P > 0.05). Significantly (P < 0.05) greater body weight gains were observed only for fish fed the diets with two combinations of CLA and 1.5% fish oil compared to fish fed the diet containing 0.5% CLA and corn oil. Fillet n − 3 HUFA levels were significantly (P < 0.05) elevated for fish fed diets containing fish oil when compared to n − 3 HUFA of fillets of fish fed diets containing either corn oil or CLA and corn oil. Similarly, fillets from fish fed diets amended with CLA contained substantial amounts of CLA of up to 6.4% of total lipids. Fillets from fish fed corn oil or fish oil diets had no CLA. Taste panel evaluation indicated that fillets containing n − 3 HUFA and CLA were essentially without fishy off-flavor and had excellent sensory qualities. Catfish fillets produced by amending diets with sources of n − 3 HUFA and CLA at the levels used in this study would contain elevated levels of these nutraceuticals and could be an important human food source for these healthful fatty acids.     

Palatability of Sarafloxacin HCl-Medicated Feed to Channel Catfish

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the palatability of sarafloxacin HCl to channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus. Fingerling channel catfish were raised in 110-1 glass aquaria supplied with flowing well water at a rate of 1 l/min. Fish were fed to satiation once daily either a purified or a practical diet formulated to contain 0, 500, 1,000, 2,000, or 4,000 mg active sarafloxin HCl/kg of diet. Feed consumption was quantified daily for 5 days. All fish were weighed at the beginning and at the end of each experiment. There was a significant decrease in feed consumption of fish fed purified diets with increasing levels of sarafloxacin HCl. However, feed consumption was adequate to provide the proposed dosage regardless of drug concentration. Fingerling channel catfish readily consumed practical diets containing sarafloxacin HCl; feed consumption and weight gain of fish fed medicated and non-medicated practical diets did not differ. There were no apparent palatability problems that would negate use of sarafloxacin HCl in commercial channel catfish feeds.     

Use of Corn Germ Meal in Diets for Pond‐Raised Channel Catfish,Ictalurus punctatus

Corn germ meal (CGM) is a by‐product of corn milling. On the basis of its nutrient composition and digestibility values, it appears to be a suitable ingredient for use in channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, diets. A study was conducted to examine the use of various levels of CGM in diets for pond‐raised channel catfish. Four 28% protein diets containing 0, 15, 25, and 35% CGM were evaluated. Fingerling channel catfish (mean initial weight: 71 g/fish) were stocked into 24, 0.04‐ha ponds at a rate of 14,826 fish/ha. Fish were fed once daily to apparent satiation for a 167‐d growing season. No significant differences were observed in total amount of diet fed, diet consumption per fish, net yield, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, survival, fillet yield, and fillet protein, fat, and moisture concentrations among fish fed diets containing various levels of CGM. Carcass yield decreased linearly as dietary CGM levels increased. Depending on prices, CGM can be used interchangeably with corn gluten feed in channel catfish diets as replacements for corn, wheat middlings, and soybean meal to reduce feed cost.     

Evaluation of Experimental and Practical Diets for Bluegill Lepomis macrochirus and Hybrid Bluegill L. cyanellus × L. macrochirus

Two experiments were conducted to identify appropriate experimental and practical diets for bluegill Lepomis macrochirus and hybrid bluegill L. cyanellus × L. macrochirus reared in aquaria. In the first study, four experimental diets and five commercial diets were evaluated in juvenile hybrid bluegill initially weighing 4.8 g/fish. The experimental diets contained casein (CAS), casein + gelatin (CAWGEL), casein + L‐arginine‐HCI (CAS/ARG), or casein + gelatin + crystalline amino acids (CAS/AA) as sources of crude protein. The commercial diets included three diets formulated to meet the nutritional requirements of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss and two diets formulated to meet the nutritional requirements of channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus. Each diet was fed twice daily at a rate of 4% of body weigh/d to triplicate groups of fish. At the end of the 8‐wk feeding trial, weight gain was significantly higher in fish fed the best commercial rainbow trout diets (205–217%) compared to fish fed diets formulated for channel catfish (87–104%). Weight gain and feed efficiency (FE) of fish fed the experimental diets (5346% and 0.19–0.32, respectively) were significantly lower than those of fish fed the commercial rainbow trout diets (143–217% and 0.49–0.64, respectively). In the second experiment, the same dietary treatments were fed for 8 wk to juvenile bluegill initially weighing 3.7 g/fish. Each diet was fed twice daily at a rate of 4% of body weight/d to triplicate groups of fish. Weight gain was significantly higher in fish fed commercial trout diets (291–402%) compared to fish fed diets formulated for channel catfish (164–191%). Weight gain and FE of fish fed CAS/ARG were significantly higher than those of fish fed the commercial catfish diets, but significantly lower than those of fish fed the best commercial trout diets. Results of this study indicate that commercial rainbow trout diets are preferable to commercial channel catfish diets for culture of bluegill and hybrid bluegill. More research is needed to identify appropriate experimental diets for this group of fishes.     

Effects of Periodic Feed Deprivation on Growth, Feed Efficiency, Processing Yield, and Body Composition of Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus

Two studies were conducted in 110‐L flow‐through aquaria and 0.4‐ha ponds to evaluate effects of periodic feed deprivation on the growth performance of channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus. Fish were deprived of feed 0, 1, 2, or 3 consecutive d/wk, l d per 5‐d period, or 3 consecutive d per 10‐d period and fed to satiation on days fish were fed. In Experiment 1, fish fed less frequently than daily consumed significantly less feed (over the experimental period) and gained significantly less weight than fish fed daily, except that feed consumption of fish deprived of feed 1 d/wk was not significantly different from that of fish fed daily. Compared with fish fed daily, fish deprived of feed 2 d/wk had significantly lower feed conversion ratio (FCR). Visceral fat of fish deprived of feed 1 or 2 d/wk was similar to that of fish fed daily, but fish deprived of feed for longer periods had significantly lower visceral fat than fish fed daily. Regression analysis indicated that feed consumption, weight gain, and visceral fat increased linearly as the number of days that fish were fed increased. In Experiment 2, there were no significant differences in the amount of feed fed between fish deprived of feed 1 d/wk and those fed daily. Net production of fish deprived of feed 1 or 2 d/wk or 1 d per 5‐d period was not significantly different from that of fish fed daily, but fish deprived of feed for longer periods had significantly lower net production than fish fed daily. Visceral fat of fish deprived of feed 1 d/wk or 1 d per 5‐d period was similar to that of fish fed daily, but fish on other treatments had significantly lower visceral fat than fish fed daily. Regression analysis showed that as the number of days fed increased the amount of feed fed and net production increased quadratically. Feed conversion ratio, carcass yield, visceral fat, and fillet fat increased, while fillet moisture decreased linearly as the number of days fed increased. Although feeding less frequently than daily may improve feed efficiency, and fish deprived of feed may demonstrate compensatory growth when a full feeding regime is resumed, it may be difficult to provide enough feed to satiate all size‐classes of fish under a multiple‐batch cropping system without causing water quality problems. Under normal economic conditions, fish should be fed daily to apparent satiation without waste and without causing water quality problems. However, during periods of unfavorable economic conditions, channel catfish raised from advanced fingerlings to market size may be fed less frequently than daily to reduce production cost. Results from the present study indicated that feeding channel catfish to satiation 5 or 6 d/wk (not feeding on one or two weekend days) could provide some benefits in reducing production cost through reduced feed and labor costs for food‐sized channel catfish during periods of low fish prices and high feed prices.     

Comparison of Practical Diets with and without Animal Protein at Various Concentrations of Dietary Protein on Performance of Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus Raised in Earthen Ponds1

Abstract— A 2 × 5 factorial experiment was conducted using practical-type extruded feeds containing 20, 24, 28, 32, or 36% crude protein with or without animal protein. The animal protein supplement consisted of 4% menhaden fish meal and 4% meat, bone and blood meal. Channel catfish fingerlings (average size: 26.3 g/fish) were stocked into 50 0.04-ha ponds at a rate of 24,700 fishha. Five ponds were used for each dietary treatment. Fish were fed once daily to satiation for 202 d. There were no differences in feed conversion ratio (FCR), percentage fillet moisture, and survival among treatments. In fish fed diets containing no animal protein, feed consumption, weight gain, and percentage dressout were lower for fish fed the 20% protein diet than those fed diets containing 28% and 32% protein. Fish fed 28, 32, or 36% protein diets without animal protein did not differ in respect to percentage dressout and percentage visceral fat; fish fed the 36% protein diet had higher percentage fillet protein and a lower percentage fillet fat than fish fed other diets with the exception of fish fed the 28% protein diet. In fish fed diets containing animal protein, feed consumption, weight gain, percentage fillet protein and ash, and percentage dressout were lower and visceral fat was higher for fish fed the 20% protein diet than those fed other diets. Fish fed diets containing 24% protein and above with animal protein were not different in respect to weight gain and feed consumption, but fish fed the 24% protein diet had a higher percentage fillet fat than fish fed a 32% or 36% protein diet. Fish fed the 32% protein diet had a lower visceral fat. Considering animal protein vs non-animal protein with the data pooled across all diets without regard to dietary protein level, weight gain and FCR of fish fed diets containing animal protein were higher than those fed diets containing no animal protein. However, weight gain of fish fed diets containing 20, 28, or 32% protein with or without animal protein did not differ. Dressout percentage and fillet protein were higher and fillet fat was lower for fish fed diets containing no animal protein than those fed diets containing animal protein. Data from this study indicated that animal protein may not be a necessary dietary ingredient for fish fed 28% or 32% protein diets typically used for grow out of pond-raised channel catfish under satiation feeding conditions. Whether animal protein should be included in catfish diets containing less than 28% protein is unclear, since fish fed the 24% protein diet benefited from animal protein but those fed the 20% protein diet did not benefit from animal protein. Additional studies to provide more information on low-protein, all-plant diets are currently being conducted.     

Microbial Phytase Can Replace Inorganic Phosphorus Supplements in Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus Diets1

Abstract.– Juvenile channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus (initial weight: 6.8 g/fish) were fed four practical diets containing 0, 250, 500, and 750 units of microbial phytase/kg and a diet containing 1% feed grade dicalcium phosphate (but no microbial phytase) under laboratory conditions for 12 wk. Fish fed the diets containing 250 units of microbial phytase/kg and above consumed more feed, gained more weight, and had a lower feed conversion ratio (FCR) in comparison to fish fed the basal diet containing no microbial phytase. Fish fed the diet containing dicalcium phosphate had intermediate weight gain and feed conversion ratio as compared to fish fed the basal diet and diets containing microbial phytase. Bone ash and phosphorus concentrations were lower for fish fed the basal diet than for fish fed other diets. No differences in weight gain, feed consumption, FCR, bone ash and bone phosphorus were observed among fish fed the diets containing various levels of microbial phytase. Fish fed the diet containing dicalcium phosphate had a lower bone phosphorus concentration than fish fed diets containing microbial phytase. Fecal phosphorus concentrations were lower for fish fed the diets containing microbial phytase than for fish fed the basal diet and the diet containing dicalcium phosphate. Results from the present study indicated that addition of 250 units of microbial phytase/kg to practical diets can effectively improve bioavailability of phytate phosphorus to channel catfish and may possibly eliminate the use of an inorganic phosphorus supplement in channel catfish diets. However, these data must be verified in trials conducted in ponds, prior to recommending removal of supplemental phosphorus from channel catfish diets.     

Growth Response of Tilapia Fed Diets Rich in High-Lysine Corn and Corn Gluten

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to find out if fish meal is necessary in tilapia diet for good growth response. Five experimental diets (32% protein) containing 46-51% high-lysine corn, 20% corn gluten meal, supplemented with soy grits and synthetic amino acids, with and without fish meal were formulated. The diets were fed to tilapia with average initial weight of 13 g for 70 days in aquaria. Weight gain expressed as percentage increase after 70 days or as grams/day, feed conversion ratio, and protein efficiency ratio were equal (P > 0.05) to a commercial feed (36% protein) for all experimental diets. It appears that 32% protein diets with 46-51% high-lysine corn and 20% corn gluten meal were adequate for tilapia based on weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and protein efficiency ratio, and that fish meal is not necessary for tilapia feed to obtain good growth response.     

Effects of Dietary Magnesium on Growth and Tissue Magnesium Content of Blue Tilapia Oreochromis aureus

Juvenile blue tilapia Oreochrornis aureus (mean weight 0.5 ± 0.05 g) were stocked into 38 liter glass aquaria receiving Row-through well water containing 0.1 mg magnesium/L and fed semipurified, casein-based diets containing graded levels of magnesium (0.003, 0.008, 0.023, 0.037, 0.050 and 0.065% magnesium, dry weight). Magnesium supplements were provided as anhydrous magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄). No treatment-related mortalities occurred and no visible magnesium deficiency symptoms were observed in any treatment group during the 18 week experimental period. Magnesium concentrations in scale and bone of tilapia fed diets containing 0.023 to 0.065% magnesium were greater ( P < 0.05) than in fish fed diets containing 0.003 to 0.008%. Scale and bone magnesium concentrations did not differ ( P > 0.05) among fish that received dietary magnesium levels of 0.023% or greater. The magnesium content of muscle was higher ( P < 0.05) in fish fed 0.037 to 0.065% magnesium than in those fed 0.003 to 0.008% magnesium. Muscle magnesium concentrations did not differ ( P > 0.05) among fish that received 0.037% or more dietary magnesium. Adequate weight gain and superior feed efficiency occurred in fish fed 0.05 to 0.065% magnesium. Results indicated that diets for O. aureus should contain at least 0.05% magnesium (500 mg Mg/kg dry diet) for optimum growth and normal tissue mineralization.     

Comparison of Channel Catfish,Ictalurus punctatus,and Blue Catfish,Ictalurus furcatus,Fed Diets Containing Various Levels of Protein in Production Ponds

A comparative study was conducted on growth and protein requirements of channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, and blue catfish, Ictalurus furcatus. Four diets containing 24, 28, 32, or 36% protein were fed to both channel (initial weight 6.9 g/fish) and blue (6.6 g/fish) catfish for two growing seasons. There were significant interactions between dietary protein and fish species for weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR). No significant differences were observed in weight gain of channel catfish fed various protein diets, whereas higher protein diets (32 and 36%) resulted in better weight gain in blue catfish than lower protein diets (24 and 28%). No consistent differences were observed in the FCR of channel catfish fed various levels of dietary protein, whereas significantly higher FCRs were noted in blue catfish fed the 24 and 28% protein diets compared with fish fed 32 and 36% protein diets. Regardless of dietary protein levels, blue catfish had higher carcass, nugget, and total meat yield, and higher fillet moisture and protein, but lower fillet yield and fillet fat. Regardless of fish species, fish fed the 36% protein diet had higher carcass, fillet, and total meat yield than fish fed the 28 and 32% protein diets, which in turn had higher yields than fish fed the 24% protein diet. It appears that blue catfish can be successfully cultured by feeding a 32% protein diet.