Short-Term Effect of a Low-Protein High-Carbohydrate Diet on Mature Female and Male, and Neomale Rainbow Trout

Rainbow trout are considered as a poor user of dietary carbohydrates, displaying persistent postprandial hyperglycaemia when fed a diet containing high amounts of carbohydrates. While this phenotype is well-described in juveniles, less attention was given to broodstock. Our objective was to assess for the first time the short-term consequences of feeding mature female and male, and neomale trout with a low-protein high-carbohydrate diet on glucose and lipid metabolism. Fish were fed for two days with a diet containing either no or 32% of carbohydrates. We analysed plasma metabolites, mRNA levels and enzymatic activities of glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, de novo lipogenesis and beta-oxidation in the liver. Results demonstrated that the glucose and lipid metabolism were regulated by the nutritional status in all sexes, irrespective of the carbohydrate intake. These data point out that carbohydrate intake during a short period (5 meals) at 8 degrees C did not induce specific metabolic changes in broodstock. Finally, we demonstrated, for the first time, sex differences regarding the consequences of two days of feeding on glucose and lipid metabolism.

Automated summary

The study found that glucose and lipid metabolism in rainbow trout were regulated by nutritional status in all sexes, regardless of carbohydrate intake. Short-term carbohydrate intake at low temperature did not induce specific metabolic changes in broodstock. Additionally, sex differences were demonstrated for the first time regarding the consequences of two days of feeding on glucose and lipid metabolism.