Optimum feed formulation for Atlantic halibut ( Hippoglossus hippoglossus L.): Minimum protein content in diet for maximum growth

• Published in: Aquaculture 2009-06, Vol.291 (3), p.188-191
• Main Authors: Árnason, Jón, Imsland, Albert K., Gústavsson, Arnþór, Gunnarsson, Snorri, Arnarson, Ingólfur, Reynisson, Hlynur, Jónsson, Arnar F., Smáradóttir, Heiðdís, Thorarensen, Helgi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animal and plant ecology; Animal aquaculture; animal growth; Animal productions; Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Aquaculture; Biochemistry; Biological and medical sciences; body composition; Diet; dietary protein; Diets; farmed fish; feed composition; feed conversion; feed formulation; feed intake; Fish; fish culture; fish farms; fish feeding; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; General aspects; Growth; halibut; hepatosomatic index; Hippoglossus hippoglossus; lipid content; Marine; Physical growth; protein content; protein efficiency ratio; Protein requirements; Proteins; Sea water ecosystems; Slaughter traits; specific growth rate; Synecology
• ISSN: 0044-8486; 1873-5622
• DOI: 10.1016/j.aquaculture.2009.03.025

The protein requirements of Atlantic halibut ( Hippoglossus hippoglossus L) were tested in two trials for fish with initial size of 564 g and 973 g. The fish were fed near isocaloric diets with crude protein in dry matter (CP) between 35% and 53%. There was no significant effect of CP on weight development or SGR, daily feed intake or protein efficiency ratio in either trial. However, CP significantly affected the feed conversion (FCR) of the smaller fish with FCR increasing at lower CP. The CP did not affect the final protein or lipid content of the fish. The results of the study suggest that the minimum CP for maximum growth is 41% and 35% for 560 g and 970 g halibut respectively.