ISSN:
1573-5168
Keywords:
Blood pH
;
chloride
;
electrolyte balance
;
minerals
;
potassium
;
sodium
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract A study was conducted to examine the effect of dietary cation-anion difference (CAD, Na++K+-Cl−, mEq kg −1) on acid-base balance, food consumption and growth of juvenile African catfish, Clarias gariepinus. Four dietary CAD levels (-100, 100, 500, 700 mEq kg−1) were established by altering levels of NaHCO3, CaCl2 and NH4Cl in the diets. The group fed the diet of excess anions (CAD: -100 mEq kg−1) had low food consumption and growth rate. Food consumption and growth increased linearly with an increase in dietary CAD within the range -100 to 700 meq. kg−1. Blood pH was not significantly influenced by dietary CAD. A quadratic relationship between Na+, Cl− and CAD level in plasma and dietary CAD was found. Body composition of fish and nitrogen/energy utilisation efficiency differed between dietary CAD treatments. The results suggest that dietary CAD influence acid-base regulation and thus the energy costs for maintaining homeostasis. The increased food intake and growth performance of C. gariepinus at higher CAD levels may be related to a reduced maintenance costs for homeostasis.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1007707507228
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