Introduction to Fish Nutrition
By
JVS Rauthan
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Preface
Nutrition and health are related to each other as good nutrition is the cornerstone of a good health.
A balanced diet containing all the essential nutrition is necessary to build a good health. First in this context is a healthy food being rich in essential nutrients like quality protein poly unsaturated fatty acids especially the N-3 PUFA eicosapentaenoic acid onset docosahexaenoic acid and micronutrients.
A part from this fish is more available and affordable than other animal proteins source in tropical countries. Thus nutritional composition of fish required for its utilization in achieving nutritional security and ensuring good health and nutrition. The book focuses on the contribution of the essential nutrients present in fishes in formulating a balanced nutrition for proper growth and development. As well as specific dietary recommendation for consumer guidance, dietary counseling and food policy plans ultimately contributing to good health and nutrition and ensuring food and nutritional security for all.
Proteins, carbohydrates and lipids are distinct nutrient groups that the body metabolizes to produce the energy it needs for numerous physiological process and physical activities. There is considerable variation in the ability of fish species to use the energy yielding nutrients. This variation is associated with their natural feeding habits which are classified as herbivorous, omnivorous and carnivorous. Thus there is a relationship between natural feeding habits and dietary protein requirement. Proteins consist of various amino acids the composition of which gives individual proteins their unique characteristics.
Many of the biochemical required for normal bodily functions is proteins, such as enzyme, hormones and immunoglobulins. Fish like other animals synthesize body proteins from amino-acids in the diet and from some other sources. Amino acids that must be provided in the diet are called 'essential' or 'indispensable' amino acids. Lipids consist of several different compounds. Neutral lipids (fats and oils) in the form of triglycerides provides concentration source of energy for aquatic species. Dietary lipids also supplies essential fatty acids that cannot be synthesized by the organism. Fatty acids of the linoleic acids family are generally more essential to fish than those of the linoleic acid.
Minerals consist of inorganic elements that the body requires for various purposes. Fish use the same minerals as terrestrial animals for tissue formation, osmoregulation and other metabolic functions. However dissolved minerals in the water may satisfy some other metabolic requirements of fish. Minerals are classified as either macro or micro minerals based on the quantities required in the diet and stored in the body. Macro-minerals are calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, chlorides,sodium, potassium and sulphur. The micro-minerals include cobalt, chromium, copper, iodine, iron, manganese, selenium and zinc.
Vitamins are essential for terrestrial animals and for several fish species that have been examined to date. Vitamins are organic compounds required in relatively small concentration to support specific structural or metabolic functions. Vitamins are divided into two groups based on solubility. Fat soluble vitamins includes vitamin A, D, E and K. These fat soluble vitamins are metabolized and deposited in association with body lipids. Water soluble vitamins include ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), biotin choline, inositol, niacin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, riboflavin, thiamin folic acid and vitamin B12. They are not stored in appreciable amount in the body.
This book is not only written exclusively for scientist but also for students, practicing nutritionist and aqua culturists. It covers the known nutrient requirements and deficiency effects for different fishes. Digestion and metabolism nutrients and energy of fishes are also covered. Chapters on Bioenergetics, Nutritional Pathology, Diet formulation and Essentials Nutrients of Fish are extremely useful.
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