Study on the commercial, environmental and physiological performance of brook trout fed new low-phosphorus, high-energy feed

Description

Brook trout are essentially destined for the seeding and fish pond markets in Quebec. This native species, which is closely associated with sport fishing activities, is the most important species produced by the Quebec aquaculture sector in terms of economic value. Furthermore, Quebec is reportedly now the largest North American producer of brook trout.

Various observations made by brook trout farmers suggest that the species has a limited capacity to use fats as an energy source. It is suspected that using high-fat feed (>25%) causes liver problems (hypertrophy due to fat accumulation), lethargy in the fish and negligible improvements in growth performance compared to lower fat feeds. However, high nutrient dense (HND) feeds generally make it possible to reduce nutrient discharges. There are concerns that these brook trout feeding problems may lead to reduced use of this species by the Quebec aquaculture industry.

The general starting hypothesis of this project is that substituting proteins for fats in feed intended for brook trout leads to changes in liver function and results in lowered growth performance.

Program Name

Aquaculture Collaborative Research and Development Program (ACRDP)

Year(s)

2005 - 2007

Ecoregion(s)

Atlantic: Gulf of St. Lawrence, St. Lawrence Estuary

Principal Investigator(s)

Grant Vandenberg
Email: grand.vandenberg@fsaa.ulaval