Effects of protein hydrolysate in weaning diets for Atlantic cod ( Gadus morhua L.) and Atlantic halibut ( Hippoglossus hippoglossus L.)

Abstract The study aims to test whether predigested dietary protein enhances the utilization of formulated diets at weaning, and also whether it stimulates intestinal maturation. In this study, Atlantic cod [ Gadus morhua L.; 41 days posthatch (dph)] and Atlantic halibut [ Hippoglossus hippoglossus L.; 63 days postfirst feeding (dpff)] were weaned onto diets with graded levels of protein hydrolysate. By increasing the inclusion of dietary protein as hydrolysate from 0 to 400 g kg −1 , cod increased the rate of survival from 7 ± 1% to 18 ± 2% (82 dph; regression, P =  4*10 −7 ). In halibut, the survival rate decreased from 57 ± 9% to 22 ± 7% as the inclusion of protein in the form of hydrolysate increased from 0 to 450 g kg −1 (119 dpff; regression, P =  8*10 −5 ). Growth was not affected in any of the species. Results in specific activities of the intestinal enzymes leucine aminopeptidase (LAP) and alkaline phospatase (AP) supported the results in survival in halibut and partly also in cod, by showing increased activities in groups with increased survival ( anova , P <  0.05). The lower optimal level of hydrolysed protein in halibut than in cod is suggested mainly because of a slower feeding practice in halibut, which allows more extensive nutrient leaching before ingestion.