Effects of starvation and re-feeding on growth performance and blood plasma of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

The mechanism of compensatory growth in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) was studied in a completely randomized design with four experimental treatments and a control group (no food deprivation) with three replicates. Animals in treatments 1 to 4 were fed with rates of 0, 25, 50 and 75% saturation, respectively for two weeks. Then, the treatments were fed twice a day until saturation level for more three weeks. The results of growth indexes, chemical body composition and blood factors showed that rainbow trout could tolerate compensatory growth and feeding until 25% of saturation level.