Appearance of nutrients in the blood of the golden perch Macquaria ambigua following feeding

Abstract

1. 1. The appearance of nutrients in the systemic blood following feeding were investigated in an Australian freshwater fish, the golden perch ( Macquaria ambigua). 2. 2. Total gut transit time of a single meal was found to be 96.9 hr (SE = 10.13 hr, N = 9) which is greater than has been described for other species. 3. 3. A significant peak in total amino acid concentration was observed at 24 hr after feeding. Total non-essential amino acids concentration was significantly above control levels by 9 hr, and peaked at 24 hr after feeding, while total essential amino acid concentration did not rise significantly until 12hr and did not peak until 36 hr after feeding. In addition, the relative proportion of essential amino acids found in the blood following feeding was greater than would be expected based on the composition of the diet. 4. 4. No significant variations were seen in glucose, free fatty acids, β-hydroxybutyrate, lactate or total protein concentration as a result of feeding.