Genetic variation in feed consumption, growth, nutrient utilization efficiency and mitochondrial function within a farmed population of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus)

Abstract

We evaluated the effects of diets (32/4 or 36/6 percent protein/fat) and six channel catfish families for growth performance characteristics. Two families with fast- (C) and slow- (D) growth rate and with low and high feed efficiency (FE) were selected for analyses of mitochondrial complex enzymatic activities (I, II, III, and IV) and gene expression (ND1, CYTB, COX1, COX2, ATP6) levels in liver, muscle, and intestine. There were significant differences in growth rate and nutrient retention among the families. Mitochondrial enzymatic complex activities (I-V) in the tissues were all lower in family C. Four of the five genes were down-regulated in the liver and up-regulated in the muscle for the fast growing family C. There were significant differences between diets for some mitochondrial respiratory chain enzyme activities and gene expression levels. Significant diet×family interactions were observed for some enzyme activities and gene expression levels. Changes in mitochondrial respiratory chain enzyme activities and gene expression levels provide insight into the cellular mechanisms of fish with differences in growth rate and feed efficiency. Results also suggest that genotype×diet interactions should be accounted for when considering strategies for using mitochondrial function as a criteria in channel catfish selection programs for improved growth performance characteristics.