Effects of Algae Meal as Feed Additive on Growth, Feed Efficiency, and Body Composition in Red Sea Bream

Abstract

The efficacy of three different algae (Ascophyllum nodosum, Porphyra yezoensis, and Ulva pertusa) were compared in fingerling red sea bream Pagrus major. Oregon moist diet containing 5% of algae meal were fed for 41 days and the effects were monitored in terms of growth, feed efficiency, and body composition. Feeding algae commonly elevated body weight grain, and tended to increase feed efficiency and muscle protein deposition. Algae-fed groups were higher in liver glycogen and triglyceride accumulation in muscle. Feeding Porphyra showed the most pronounced effects on growth and energy accumulation, followed by Ascophyllum and Ulva. The results suggest the practical efficacy of using algae as a feed additive for the effective use of nutrients in cultured fish. © 1995, The Japanese Society of Fisheries Science. All rights reserved.