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Dietary protein source influence on growth and body composition in zebrafish
Author(s) -
Smith Daniel Larry,
Barry R. Jeff,
Powell Mickie L.,
Nagy Timothy R.,
Watts Stephen A.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.26.1_supplement.34.1
Subject(s) - composition (language) , casein , zoology , biology , fish <actinopterygii> , lean body mass , gluten , body weight , food science , plant protein , wheat gluten , endocrinology , fishery , philosophy , linguistics
Objective The utility of zebrafish as a model of nutrition research has been limited, partly due to the lack of standardized, defined diets and non‐invasive body composition assessment technologies. Methods Four‐ to six‐week post‐fertilization fish were randomized to 1 of 5 diets (standard: 48% protein by weight) with different protein sources (n=60 fish per diet): 1) fish protein, 2) casein, 3) soy, 4) wheat gluten and a 5) mixed protein source (all 4 combined). Fish were group housed (n≤10 fish/tank), and ad libitum ( AL ) fed for 12 weeks. Lengths were measured every 3 wks, and final body weight at study end. Body composition measures of lean and fat mass were performed by quantitative magnetic resonance (QMR) and compared with chemical carcass analysis (fat: r 2 =0.59, p<0.001; lean: r 2 =0.65, p<0.001). Group differences were assessed by ANOVA. Results A significant growth difference between diet groups was observed despite AL feeding (p<0.001; shortest: wheat; lightest: wheat and casein). Percent body fat was significantly higher in fish protein and wheat fed diet groups. Conclusion Feeding defined diets with isolated protein sources revealed significant growth and body composition differences between groups – with wheat fed fish being shorter and lighter, but still relatively fat – and demonstrates the utility of a zebrafish nutrition/obesity research model. This research was supported by P30DK056336.