Hypervitaminosis A in first-feeding fry of the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.)

Abstract

Atlantic salmon fry were reared on a fishmeal based diet with increasing levels of vitamin A (VA) (6, 122 and 938 mg retinol kg(-1) dry feed) from startfeeding and for 14 weeks. Signs of VA stress, such as reduced fat stores, liver size and growth, were found for groups receiving 122 and 938 mg retinol kg(-1). Signs of vitamin A toxicity, such as increased mortality, abnormal vertebral growth, and reduced growth, were found for groups receiving 938 mg retinol kg(-1). These results suggest that excess VA in the early life stages of Atlantic salmon is deleterious for normal development.