Effects of dietary lipids on hepatic status in two coolwater fish species, Perca fluviatilis and Dicentrarchus labrax

Our objective is to evaluate the tolerance of two coolwater species to dietary lipids as a function of their developmental stage and sexual maturity. A detailed study of hepatic status in these species is planned. In a first step, we will define a set of biochemical and morphological references using individuals captured in the wild. Then we will analyze the effect of lipid formulation of experimental diets on the hepatic status of aquaculture stocks, and compare these results with the natural reference. The effects of a rise in the quantity of lipids in the diets will first be tested, before we attempt to adjust the levels of phospholipids in the formulae with the objective to improve tolerance to lipids. In a final step, we shall evaluate the auto-regulatory capacities of the fish in the selection of optimally balanced diets.