Effect of feeding frequency, feeding level and temperature on energy metabolism in Sparus aurata

The influences of temperature, ration size and food distribution on the energy metabolism of Sparus aurata were studied by monitoring oxygen consumption. For each factor combination rates of oxygen consumption (Rmean) were partitioned into components, representing resting rates (Rrest) and apparent specific dynamic action rates (Rsda). Maximal hourly rates (Rpeak) were also determined. Feeding led to an increase in oxygen consumption rates which lasted for approximately 37-39 h, with a peak between 1 and 6 h after feeding. The exact time course of the change in oxygen consumption was dependent on temperature, ration size and food distribution. An increase in food intake led to a rise in Rmean, Rsda and Rpeak but not Rrest. For a given ration level, an increase in temperature led to an increase in Rmean, Rrest, Rpeak and Rsda and in the fraction of food energy allocated to metabolism, but did not alter the distribution of such energy into maintenance needs and apparent specific dynamic action (SDA) effects.