Effects of the Deletion of Ca or Trace Elements from Semi-purified Diet on Growth and Feed Utilization of Yellow Croaker, Nibea albiflora

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the effect of the deletion of Ca or trace elements from semi-purified diets on growth and body composition of the yellow croaker Nibea albiflora. Fish with mean average weight 28.8+/-2.5 g were fed on test diets with (control group) and without supplement of Ca or trace elements for 14 weeks at 20.0-22.5 degrees C. No significant difference was observed in the growth of fish groups fed on diets deficient with Ca or trace elements and the control group. No apparent effect of feeding diets without Ca or trace elements was detected in hematological characteristics in all test groups, However, serum contents of Ca and inorganic P were higher in fish group received Ca deficient diet compared to the control. Bone contents of Mn, Cu and Zn decreased distinctly in fish group fed deficient trace elements diet. No obvious effect on the mineral contents of liver was seen in fish from all test groups. It appears from these findings that, For growth performance, yellow croaker can met their requirements of Ca or trace elements by direct assimilation of these minerals from the surrounding mater but for ideal bone mineralization the addition of trace elements in diet seems to be necessary. [References: 19] 19