Oxygen Consumption and Ammonia Excretion of the American Eel Anguilla rostrata Fed Diets with Varying Protein Energy Ratios and Protein Levels

The effect of protein/energy ratio and protein level on utilization of protein and energy as indicated by oxygen consumption and ammonia production was investigated. When protein/energy ratio of the diet was optimum, there was no significant increase in ammonia production, indicating no increase in catabolism of protein for energy as protein levels increased. However, when the protein/ energy level was below optimum, there was a significant ( P < 0.05) increase in ammonia production as protein increased, indicating increased catabolism of protein for energy. However, there was no significant increase in oxygen consumption rate.