Effect of digestible carbohydrates on protein/energy utilization and on glucose metabolism in rainbow trout ( Salmo gairdneri R.)

Abstract

Diplicate groups of rainbow trout were fed low-protein (38%) diets containing high levels (38%) of five different carbohydrate sources (raw starch, extruded corn, extruded wheat, extruded corn starch or extruded wheat starch). A modified pair-feeding method was used to allow equal intakes of protein and of digestible energy by each group of fish. Growth parameters were followed over a period of 18 weeks; the digestibility of the diets, nitrogen and energy balances, and the respiratory and ammonia quotients of fish fed the different diets were determined. To study the long-term effects of dietary carbohydrates, plasma glucose profile and its control by bovine insulin was followed in fish fed over 30 weeks with selected test diets. The results show that inclusion of extruded cereals or extruded starch improves availability of dietary energy. High levels of carbohydrates to not adversely affect overall growth or nutrient retention efficiencies. Long-term feeding with carbohydrate-rich d diets does not confer on trout any adaptive capacity to regulate postprandial glycemia levels. Respirometric measurements appear to provide interesting data on the metabolic utilization of body substrates.