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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Stuttgart, Arkansas » Harry K. Dupree Stuttgart National Aquaculture Research Cntr » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #215959
Title: Recent advances in Florida pompano (Trachinotus carolinus) nutrition

Author
item Riche, Martin
item WILLIAMS, TERHEA - UNIV. OF MAINE

Submitted to: International Sustainable Marine Fish Culture Conference and Workshop Book of Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/7/2007
Publication Date: 10/15/2007
Citation: Riche, M.A., Williams, T.N. 2007. Recent advances in Florida pompano (Trachinotus carolinus) nutrition [abstract]. International Sustainable Marine Fish Culture Conference and Workshop Book of Abstracts. p. 7.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Florida pompano Trachinotus carolinus is a euryhaline species representing a small marine fishery in Florida with an estimated 227,000 kg total annual catch; however, because of its highly prized taste and texture it continues to maintain a high market demand. Although Pompano culture began in the U.S. in the 1960’s, little is known about pompano nutritional requirements. Therefore, a series of investigations were conducted with the aim of developing inexpensive, nutritionally complete diets for this species. Digestible protein (DP) and energy (DE) for optimal growth and efficiency were determined. Using 12 diets formulated with an array of five protein (340, 380, 420, 480, or 500 g/kg diet) and five lipid (60, 100, 120, 160, or 180 g/kg diet) levels it was determined approximately 360 g/kg DP and at least 15.4 MJ/kg DE with a DP/DE of 24 mg/kJ were required. Digestibility coefficients for protein, energy, and individual amino acids were determined at 3 and 28 g/L salinity in each of two trials using the diet replacement method. In the first, soybean meal (SBM), soy protein isolate (SPI), and corn gluten meal (CGM) were evaluated. In the second, poultry by-product meal (PBM), meat and bone meal (MBM), and distillers dried grains (DDG) were evaluated. As a result of high protein digestibility and amino acid availability SBM and SPI were further evaluated for suitability as fishmeal (FM) replacements. Two eight-week trials were conducted to evaluate survival, growth, and efficiency of juvenile pompano at 3 g/L salinity fed diets incorporating graded levels of SBM or SPI replacing 0-100% FM in a practical-type diet. Results indicated SBM and SPI could replace up to 80 % and 40 % FM, respectively. Two trials were also conducted to develop a test diet to determine essential amino acid requirements. Three amino acid profiles (pompano whole body, pompano egg, and menhaden fish meal) and two intact protein sources (casein/gelatin and corn gluten meal) supplemented with crystalline amino acids (CAA) were evaluated relative to a fish meal based diet. Diets were formulated to match the ratios of all amino acids in the profiles at 460 g/kg crude protein. A second trial was conducted with casein/gelatin as intact protein and CAA supplemented to match the same profiles with non-essential amino acids balanced for total dietary nitrogen (7.36 % N/kg dry matter). No differences were detected in weight gain and efficiency between the high quality fish meal based diet and the diet containing the pompano whole body profile. Results suggest a casein/gelatin based diet supplemented to match the pompano whole body amino acid profile is a suitable test diet for determining essential amino acid requirements and that pompano can efficiently utilize crystalline amino acids. Studies are currently underway to determine the essential amino acid requirements of Florida pompano.