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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Stoneville, Mississippi » Warmwater Aquaculture Research Unit » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #256936
Title: Evaluation of Glycerol from Biodiesel Production as a Feed Ingredient for Channel Catfish, Ictalurus punctatus

Author
item LI, M - Mississippi State University
item MINCHEW, C - Mississippi State University
item OBERLE, D - Mississippi State University
item ROBINSON, E - Mississippi State University

Submitted to: Journal of the World Aquaculture Society
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/20/2008
Publication Date: 2/2/2010
Citation: Li, M.H., Minchew, C.D., Oberle, D.F., Robinson, E.H. 2010. Evaluation of Glycerol from Biodiesel Production as a Feed Ingredient for Channel Catfish, Ictalurus punctatus. Journal of the World Aquaculture Society. 41:130-136.

Interpretive Summary: Glycerol or glycerin, the main by-product of biodiesel production from vegetable and animal oils and fats, is the carbohydrate fraction that comprises about 10% by weight of typical fat (triglycerides). The U.S. biodiesel industry is projected to produce more than 600 million kg of glycerol in the next 10 years. Pure glycerol is currently used in cosmetics and hygiene products. Finding alternative uses of this surplus by-product could reduce biodiesel production cost. This study examined the effects of various levels of glycerol in catfish diets. Based on results from this study it appears that channel catfish can utilize about 10% glycerol in the diet without adverse effects on feed consumption, weight gain, feed efficiency, hemoglobin, hepatosomatic index, and liver lipid. Fish fed 10% glycerol had lower fillet fat than fish fed the control diet without glycerol. Glycerol may be used as a carbohydrate or energy source in channel catfish. Further studies on the glycerol digestible energy value for channel catfish are warranted

Technical Abstract: Glycerol is the main by-product of biodiesel production from vegetable oils and animal fats. It has been evaluated as an energy source for several farm animals. A study was conducted to examine the effects of various levels of glycerol in channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, diets. Fish with mean initial weight of 6.8 ' 0.1 g were stocked in 110-L flow-through aquaria and fed practical diets containing 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20% glycerol for 9 wk. There were no significant differences in feed consumption, weight gain, feed efficiency ratio, and liver lipid level among fish fed diets containing 0, 5, and 10% glycerol. However, fish fed diets containing 15 and 20% glycerol had reduced weight gain, feed efficiency, and liver lipid content. Survival was not affected by dietary glycerol levels. Blood glucose level was significantly higher in fish fed 5% glycerol than fish fed other diets. Fillet protein and fat generally decreased and fillet moisture increased as dietary glycerol level increased. It appears that channel catfish can utilize about 10% glycerol in the diet without adverse effects on feed consumption, weight gain, feed efficiency ratio, hemoglobin, hepatosomatic index, and liver lipid.