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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Stoneville, Mississippi » Warmwater Aquaculture Research Unit » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #158368
Title: Effects of High Protein Diets on Channel Catfish (Ictalurus Punctatus)Production, Composition of Gain, Processing Yield, and Water Quality

Author
item ROBINSON, E - MISS. STATE UNIV.
item LI, M - MISS. STATE UNIV.
item MANNING, B - MISS. STATE UNIV.
item MISCHKE, C - MISS. STATE UNIV.
item Bosworth, Brian

Submitted to: Journal of the World Aquaculture Society
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/1/2004
Publication Date: 12/1/2004
Citation: Robinson, E.H., Li, M.H., Manning, B.B., Mischke, C.C., Bosworth, B.G. 2004. Effects of High Protein Diets on Channel Catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) Production, Composition of Gain, Processing Yield, and Water Quality. Journal of the World Aquaculture Society. 35:468-477.

Interpretive Summary: The protein level of feed and the feeding rate can both affect production traits of farm-raised channel catfish. This study (134 days) was conducted to determine effects of dietary protein level (28, 32, 36, and 40 %) and feeding rate (satiation or < 90 kg/ha per d) on growth, feed consumption, feed conversion, and fillet yield and composition (fat, moisture, protein) in channel catfish. Fish growth, feed consumption, feed conversion, and fillet composition were similar for all dietary protein levels. Visceral fat decreased and fillet yield increased as dietary protein levels increased. Compared to limited feeding, fish fed to satiation ate more, grew faster, had more visceral fat, and had poorer feed conversion. Fillet yield was not affected by feeding rate. Results indicate little difference in production traits for the range of dietary proteins used in this study. Feeding to satiation results in faster growth, but also results in poorer feed conversion and requires more aeration than restricted feeding.

Technical Abstract: Effects of dietary protein level (28, 32, 36, and 40%) and feeding rate (satiation or < 90 kg/ha per d) on traits of pond raised channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, were determined. Fingerling channel catfish (average weight of 64 g) were stocked into 40, 0.04 ha ponds at a rate of 17,290 fish/ha. Fish were fed once daily to apparent satiation or no more than 90 kg/ha per d for 134 days during the growing season. Dietary protein concentration had no effect on feed consumption, weight gain, feed conversion, survival, aeration time, or on fillet moisture, protein, and fat levels. Fish fed to satiation consumed more feed, gained more weight, had a higher feed conversion, and required more aeration time than fish fed at a restricted rate. Visceral fat decreased, and fillet yield increased as dietary protein concentration increased to 36%. Carcass yield was lower for fish fed a diet containing 28% protein. Increasing feeding rate increased visceral fat but had no major affect on carcass, fillet, and nugget yields. Fish fed to satiation contained less moisture and more fat in the fillets that those fed at a restricted rate. Results indicate that a 28% protein diet provides the same level of catfish production as a 40% protein diet even when diet is restricted to 90 kg/ha/day. Feeding to less than satiety may be beneficial in improving feed efficiency and water quality.