Abstract #776

# 776
Carnivores, omnivores, and herbivores—Concepts of ideal protein formulation for ornamental and commercial aquaculture feeds.
Delbert M. Gatlin*1, Sergio Castillo1, 1Texas A&M University System, College Station, TX.

Aquacultural production of various fish and crustacean species is continuing to grow throughout the world at over 6% per year, and projected to continue expanding as the demand for seafood increases and harvests from wild stocks remain at or beyond maximum sustainable levels. The efficiency of producing various aquatic species is generally considered to be greater than that of terrestrial livestock, primarily due to efficient feed utilization and protein accretion per unit of energy consumed. There is considerable variation in dietary protein requirements of various fish and crustacean species as well as their ability to use protein and lipid for energy. This variation appears to be primarily related to natural feeding habits in which aquatic species are generally categorized as being herbivorous, omnivorous of carnivorous. This presentation will provide an overview of the protein and amino acid requirements of prominent freshwater omnivorous and carnivorous fish species such as the channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Those requirements will be compared and contrasted with that of the red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus), a marine carnivore, and the omnivorous common carp (Cyprinus carpio) of which colored varieties are produced for ornamental purposes. Specific emphasis will be placed on application of the ideal protein concept in formulating diets for these various species.

Key Words: aquatic animals, amino acid requirement, comparative nutrition

Speaker Bio
Delbert M. Gatlin III is a Regents Professor in the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences and member of the Intercollegiate Faculty of Nutrition at Texas A&M University.  He had an academic appointment with Texas A&M University since 1987. Dr. Gatlin earned a B.S. in fisheries/aquaculture from Texas A&M University in 1980 and a Ph.D. in nutritional biochemistry from Mississippi State University in 1983.  He is also a Certified Fisheries Scientist and member of the American Fisheries Society, World Aquaculture Society and American Society for Nutritional Sciences.  Dr. Gatlin’s research program encompasses many different aspects of nutrition including determination of requirements for and metabolism of various nutrients, as well as development and evaluation of diet formulations and feedstuffs for various fish species including channel catfish, hybrid striped bass, red drum and tilapia.  The targeted goal of his research program is to improve sustainability and production efficiency in aquaculture and enhance the quality of resulting products.  Gatlin has been Nutrition Section Editor for the journal Aquaculture since 2009. He also was Vice Chair of the Committee on Nutrient Requirements of Fish and Shrimp of the National Academies from 2009-2010.  Gatlin has co-authored over 220 peer-reviewed journal articles and 16 book chapters.