Effects of starvation and feeding on canthaxanthin depletion in the muscle of rainbow trout ( Salmo gairdneri Rich.)

Abstract

An experiment was conducted to examine carotenoid depletion in the muscle of rainbow trout. After 4 weeks of ingestion of canthaxanthin, fish were divided into two groups: the first was fed the same diet but without the canthaxanthin, the second was starved. Lipid and canthaxanthin levels in epaxial muscle were followed for 38 days. The lipid content increased (× 1.84) in fed fish and remained stable in those which were starved. Fed fish lost more canthaxanthin than starved fish. The ratio of the relative weight gain of canthaxanthin to that of the lipids was higher in starved than in fed fish (0.91 and 0.69 respectively). It is concluded that an internal redistribution of canthaxanthin takes place in the absence of an intake of the pigment. These results also show that the muscle of rainbow trout has a high storage capacity.