Fat content in turbot feed: influence on feed intake, growth and body composition

Abstract

The influences of dietary fat concentration on growth and energy deposition were studied in two replicated groups of turbot, Scophthalmus maximus (L.). Individually tagged turbot (202.3 g) held at 15.6 °C were offered dry pellets in excess. These contained either high-fat (25.4%) or low-fat (16.6%) concentration and identical protein (43.2%). After 3 months, feed treatments were crossed in two replicates, and the remaining fish were offered a mix of feeds for a further 2 months. Fish were sacrificed for analysis of body composition at the start of the experiment, at the time of feed treatment changes and when the experiment was terminated. There were no significant differences in energy intake, specific growth rate or weight between treatments at any time during the experiment. At the time of the feed treatment change fish offered high-fat feed had a significantly higher relative body fat (8.2 vs. 6.3% w/w) and lower body water (71.2 vs. 73%), but there were no differences in protein or ash content. By the end of the experiment, differences in body composition had diminished. The results indicate that fat content in the turbot may be manipulated by changing the dietary fat content, apparently without major influences on weight gain.