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.