Utilization of carbohydrates in warmwater fish - With particular reference to tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus X O-aureus

Fish in general utilize dietary carbohydrate poorly. Moreover, different types of carbohydrate may not be equally utilized by fish. In warmwater fish, with particular reference to tilapia, a number of factors appear to be associated with carbohydrate utilization. The intestinal absorption of carbohydrate is low when diets contain fiber, regardless of source. Meal frequency affects carbohydrate utilization in fish. Some carbohydrate metabolic enzymes are altered due to changes in meal frequency. The requirement of niacin appears to vary depending on the source of dietary carbohydrate in tilapia. The ability of fish to utilize certain carbohydrates changes with the size or age of the fish. Complex carbohydrates such as starch or dextrin can spare some protein when the dietary protein level is low. Chromium supplementation improves glucose utilization by tilapia, and Cr2O3 supplementation was more effective than other chromium forms. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.