Influence of Cryptobia salmositica on feeding, body composition, and growth in rainbow trout

Abstract

Rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, were experimentally infected with the blood haemoflagellate Cryptobia salmositica. The parasitic infection significantly decreased voluntary meal consumption and growth. An analysis of the proximate body composition showed that the Cryptobia infection was associated with increased water, protein, and ash content, while the fat content was reduced. Also, higher mortality and a higher level of parasitemia were observed in fish stock from one local hatchery compared with that in fish stock from another local hatchery.