Characterization of iron deficiency and the dietary iron requirement of fingerling channel catfish Academic Article uri icon

abstract

  • The present study was conducted to determine the minimum dietary iron (Fe) requirement of fingerling channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus). Purified egg white diets containing supplemental iron (as FeSO4 7 H2O) levels ranging from 0 to 50 mg/kg were fed to catfish in aquaria for 10 weeks. Catfish fed the basal diet which contained 9.6 mg Fe/kg diet exhibited suppressed growth and feed efficiency, as well as reduced hemoglobin, hematocrit, plasma iron, transferrin saturation and erythrocyte count values. Normal growth and feed efficiency were observed for catfish fed 10 mg or more of supplemental iron/kg; however, 20 mg supplemental iron/kg was required to maintain optimum hematological values. Based on these data, the dietary iron requirement of fingerling channel catfish was determined to be not more than 30 mg Fe/kg diet. 1986.

published proceedings

  • Aquaculture

author list (cited authors)

  • Gatlin, D. M., & Wilson, R. P.

citation count

  • 70

complete list of authors

  • Gatlin, Delbert M||Wilson, Robert P

publication date

  • March 1986