EFFECT OF FEEDING FREQUENCY ON LIPID-ACCUMULATION IN AYU

The effect of feeding frequency on lipid accumulation in ayu Plecoglos sus altivelis was investigated by feeding fish (11g, initial body weig ht) either once (group I), twice (group II), or four (group III) times per day. The average weight of diet fed to groups I, II, and III were 3132, 4231, and 4090 g, respectively. There were no differences in bi omass production and feed utilization among the groups. The average bo dy weight was lowest in group I, reflecting low food intake. The lowes t muscle triglyceride level was noted in the group fed four times a da y. On the other hand, two feedings resulted in the highest triglycerid e deposition in muscle. Feeding frequency did not influence the weight of intraperitoneal fat body, but feeding four times resulted in the s mallest cell size. Starvation for 16 days caused some differences in t he mode of lipid mobilization among the groups. Body weight loss durin g starvation decreased with increase in feeding frequency. It was conf irmed that frequent feeding reduced lipid accumulation. This suggests that lipid metabolism may be highly influenced by feeding frequency.