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Influence of stocking density on growth, body composition and energy budget of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar L. in recirculating aquaculture systems

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Abstract

Atlantic salmon Salmo salar were reared at four stocking densities—high density D 1 (final density ∼39 kg/m3), medium densities D 2 (∼29 kg/m3) and D 3 (∼19 kg/m3), and low density D 4 (∼12 kg/m3)—for 40 days to investigate the effect of stocking density on their growth performance, body composition and energy budgets. Stocking density did not significantly affect specific growth rate in terms of weight (SGRw) but did affect specific growth rate in terms of energy (SGRe). Stocking density significantly influenced the ration level (RLw and RLe), feed conversion ratio (FCRw and FCRe) and apparent digestibility rate (ADR). Ration level and FCRw tended to increase with increasing density. Fish at the highest density D 1 and lowest density D 4 showed lower FCRe and higher ADR than at medium densities. Stocking density significantly affected protein and energy contents of the body but did not affect its moisture, lipid, or ash contents. The expenditure of energy for metabolism in the low-density and high-density groups was lower than that in the medium-density groups. Stocking density affected energy utilization from the feces but had no effect on excretion rate. The greater energy allocation to growth at high density and low density may be attributed to reduced metabolic rate and increased apparent digestibility rate. These findings provide information that will assist selection of suitable stocking densities in the Atlantic-salmon-farming industry.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China

    Baoliang Liu  (刘宝良), Ying Liu  (刘鹰), Ziyi Liu  (刘子毅), Denggao Qiu  (仇登高), Guoxiang Sun  (孙国祥) & Xian Li  (李贤)

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  1. Baoliang Liu  (刘宝良)
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  2. Ying Liu  (刘鹰)
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  3. Ziyi Liu  (刘子毅)
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  4. Denggao Qiu  (仇登高)
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  5. Guoxiang Sun  (孙国祥)
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  6. Xian Li  (李贤)
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Correspondence to Ying Liu  (刘鹰).

Additional information

Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 31240012), the Earmarked Fund for Modern Agro-Industry Technology Research System (No. 201003024), the Special Foundation for Postdoctoral Innovative Projects of Shandong Province (No. 201101009), and the National Key Technology Research and Development Program of China (No. 2011BAD13B04)

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Liu, B., Liu, Y., Liu, Z. et al. Influence of stocking density on growth, body composition and energy budget of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar L. in recirculating aquaculture systems. Chin. J. Ocean. Limnol. 32, 982–990 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00343-014-3195-2

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