The effect of gradual addition of camelina seeds in the diet of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) on growth, feed efficiency and meat quality

Abstract

Camelina (Camelina sativa) is a robust crop to cultivate and a potential source of protein, oil and n-3 fatty acids for aquaculture. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of camelina seed in feed on rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) performance and nutritional composition of the muscle. A mixture of faba bean, wheat gluten meal and rapeseed oil was gradually replaced by camelina seed (0%, 10% and 20% camelina in the diet). Fifty 0+ old fish were placed in each of the 12 recirculation aquaculture tanks to enable three treatments with four replicates. Camelina seed inclusion did not affect the growth performance, crude protein or fat content of fish body. The moisture content was the lowest (p = 0.021) with 20% camelina. The vitamin D3 contents in fish muscle were low, indicating that camelina may slightly impair the absorption of vitamin D3 (p = 0.055). Camelina diets decreased (p < 0.001) the proportion of monounsaturated fatty acids and increased (p < 0.001) polyunsaturated fatty acids and n-3 fatty acids, particularly α-linolenic acid, in fish muscle. Camelina seed proved to be a potential plant-based ingredient for rainbow trout feed.