Estimating metabolism of fish in aquacultural production systems

W. H. Neill, E. L. Oborny Jr., S. R. Craig, M. D. Matlock, D. M. Gatlin III
Volume 4, June 2003

ABSTRACT

Open-system respirometry offers a practical approach for measuring metabolic rates of fish cultured at high densities in uncovered raceways. Central to this methodology is analysis of a dynamic mass-balance on oxygen supply and demand. Here, we present a validated mass-balance equation, describe minimally disruptive procedures for estimating its parameters, and illustrate its use in estimating oxygen-uptake rate of fish as a group, in real time and under actual production conditions.