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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Stoneville, Mississippi » Warmwater Aquaculture Research Unit » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #227467
Title: Comparison of growth body composition and stress response of USDA 103 USDA 403 industry and fast growing lines of channel catfish

Author
item Peterson, Brian
item Bosworth, Brian
item Small, Brian

Submitted to: Journal of the World Aquaculture Society
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/23/2008
Publication Date: 2/2/2010
Citation: Peterson, B.C., Bosworth, B.G., Small, B.C. 2010. Comparison of growth, body composition, and stress response of USDA 103 USDA 403 industry and fast growing lines of channel catfish. Journal of the World Aquaculture Society. 41:156-162.

Interpretive Summary: Channel catfish selected solely for fast growth (fast growing) were compared to USDA103, USDA403, and industry pool groups of channel catfish for growth, body composition, and stress response. All fish were fed daily for 8 wks followed by a 10-minute dewatering stress. By wk 4, feed intake and weight gain were different for each genetic group. Overall, feed consumption and weight gain were highest in the fast growing line of fish. Feed efficiency was better in the fast growing fish compared to the USDA103 line. The amount of whole body fat and protein were similar among lines of fish. The stress hormone cortisol was similar among genetic groups after an acute stress. These results demonstrate the growth superiority of the USDA103 line of catfish and lines derived from it over the industry pool.

Technical Abstract: Channel catfish selected solely for fast growth (fast growing) were compared to USDA103, USDA403, and industry pool groups of channel catfish for growth, body composition, and stress response. All fish were fed daily for 8 wks followed by an acute 10-minute dewatering stress. By wk 4, feed intake and weight gain were significantly different for each genetic group (P < 0.0001). Overall, feed consumption, weight gain, and growth rate index were highest in the fast growing line of fish (P < 0.01). Feed conversion ratio was lower in the fast growing fish compared to the USDA103 line (P < 0.05). Whole body proximate composition and nitrogen retention were similar among lines of fish. Fast growing, USDA103, and USDA403 lines had higher condition factors and protein efficiency ratios compared to industry pool fish (P < 0.05). Plasma cortisol levels were similar among genetic groups after an acute stress. These results demonstrate the growth superiority of the USDA103 line of catfish and lines derived from it over the industry pool.