Biochemical Studies on Sockeye Salmon During Spawning Migration.: IX. Fat, Protein and Water in the Major Internal Organs and Cholesterol in the Liver and Gonads of the Standard Fish

Abstract

Absolute changes in fat, protein and water of all major internal organs and free and esterified cholesterol of the liver and gonads of standard male and female sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) during the 1957 Fraser River spawning migration to Stuart Lake are discussed. The alimentary tract is the major source of fat and protein from the internal organs and the greater part of this reserve is expended in the first 250 miles (403 km) of the river migration. The testes consumed only 0.5% of the energy expended from the body of the standard male while the ovaries consumed 8% of the energy expended from the body of the standard female.