Influence of High-Carbohydrate Diet on Growth, Muscle Composition, and Lipid Metabolism of Megalobrama amblycephala

Abstract

The aim of this research was to study the influence of a high-carbohydrate diet on the growth and lipid metabolism of Megalobrama amblycephala. Wheat starch (carbohydrate source) and soybean oil (lipid source) were used to prepare a semipurified diet (control) and a high-carbohydrate diet (experimental). A series of measurements were conducted, which included growth performance, blood biochemical indices, muscle components, fatty acid composition, liver lipid deposition, and tissue structure. Results indicated that high levels of carbohydrate significantly reduce weight gain, specific growth rate, protein efficiency, and muscle protein content and increase lipids in fish. Composition of the muscle fatty acids was also altered and the activity of the hepatopancreatic lipid-metabolism enzymes decreased. A large quantity of lipid droplets, and vacuole degeneration, were observed in fish liver sections of the experimental group, indirectly suggesting a negative effect of a high-carbohydrate diet on the liver of M. amblycephala.