Open AccessOptimum protein‐to‐lipid ratio requirement of the juvenile shi drum ( Umbrina cirrosa ) as estimated by nutritional and histological parameters
Author(s) -
Kokou Fotini,
Henry Morgane,
Nikoloudaki Chrisa,
Kounna Christiana,
Vasilaki Antigoni,
Fountoulaki Eleni
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
aquaculture nutrition
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.941
H-Index - 79
eISSN - 1365-2095
pISSN - 1353-5773
DOI - 10.1111/anu.12870
Subject(s) - biology , juvenile , nutrient , weight gain , feed conversion ratio , food science , zoology , protein efficiency ratio , drum , aquaculture , high protein , dietary protein , body weight , fish <actinopterygii> , endocrinology , fishery , ecology , mechanical engineering , engineering
The shi drum is an emerging Mediterranean aquaculture species that has gained increasing interest in recent years. However, the nutrient requirements of this species remain to be determined to optimize its culture. The present study evaluated the effects of dietary protein (470g/kg or 520g/kg) to lipid ratios (100g/kg, 150 or 200g/kg) on the growth performance, nutrient utilization and tissue morphology of the shi drum (7 g average initial weight). Dietary protein levels positively correlated with weight gain, showing high protein demands (>470g/kg) for this species. Nonetheless, dietary lipid levels negatively affected growth rate, feed intake and efficiency, and protein utilization, suggesting that this macronutrient cannot be efficiently utilized in high concentrations (>100g/kg). Histological evaluation revealed fat accumulation within the hepatocytes and the enterocytes with increasing dietary lipid levels, starting from 150g/kg lipid inclusion. Overall, our results confirm the high dietary protein requirements of the shi drum (>470g/kg for fish of 7 g initial weight) and suggest that lipid levels should not exceed 100g/kg of inclusion in the diets as this species has a low tolerance to this macronutrient.