ARS | Publication request: Comparison of Growth, Body Composition, and Stress Response of Three Select Lines and Industry Channel Catfish

Submitted to: Aquaculture America Conference
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: September 1, 2008
Publication Date: February 15, 2009
Citation: Peterson, B.C., Bosworth, B.G., Small, B.C. 2009. Comparison of Growth, Body Composition, and Stress Response of Three Select Lines and Industry Channel Catfish. Aquaculture America Conference. P: 293

Technical Abstract: Improvement in growth and resistance to stress has been identified as traits of interest for genetic improvement. Channel catfish selected solely for fast growth (fast growing) were compared to USDA103, USDA403, and industry pool groups of channel catfish for growth, body composition, and stress response. All fish were fed daily for 8 wks followed by an acute 10-minute dewatering stress. By wk 4, feed intake and weight gain were significantly different for each genetic group (P < 0.0001). Overall, feed consumption and weight gain were highest in the fast growing line of fish (P < 0.01). Feed conversion ratio was lower in the fast growing fish compared to the USDA103 line (P < 0.05). Whole body proximate composition and nitrogen retention were similar among lines of fish. Fast growing, USDA103, and USDA403 lines had higher condition factors and protein efficiency ratios compared to industry pool fish (P < 0.05). Plasma cortisol levels were similar among genetic groups after an acute stress. These results demonstrate improved growth of the USDA103 line of catfish and lines derived from it over the industry pool.