Effect of dietary fish protein hydrolysate on growth, feed utilization and IGF-I levels of Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus)

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of fish protein hydrolysate on growth performance, insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) levels and the expression levels of liver IGF-I mRNA in juvenile Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus). Fish hydrolysate was produced by enzymatic (alcalase and flavourzyme) treatment and size-fractionated by ultrafiltration. The permeate after ultrafiltration (UF) and the non-ultrafiltered fish hydrolysate were tested as feed ingredients using high plant protein diets. Fish meal was used in the control diet (FM). The feeding trial lasted for 60 days, and fish fed with 37 g kg-1 UF showed the best growth, feed efficiency, digestibility and protein utilization. Plasma IGF-I level was examined with radioimmunoassay, and the expression levels of liver IGF-I mRNA were evaluated using real-time PCR normalized against the 18S rRNA gene. Plasma IGF-I levels were significantly increased by inclusion of fish protein hydrolysate. Liver IGF-I mRNA expression was significantly higher in fish fed with 37 g kg-1 UF diet than fish fed with control diet. The results indicated that small molecular weight compounds from fish protein hydrolysate showed a positive effect on growth and feed utilization in juvenile Japanese flounder. Dietary fish protein hydrolysate could improve plasma IGF-I levels and liver IGF-I mRNA expression in Japanese flounder.