| The objective of this research was to investigate whether triploid Atlantic salmon and brook trout are able to perform metabolically as well as their diploid counterparts within the respective species' optimum temperature range. Fish were sampled three times over a two-month period for oxygen consumption rates, hematological parameters and dry matter digestibility while reared at 12, 15 and 18°C, and at 9, 12 and 15°C, for Atlantic salmon and brook trout, respectively. Overall, triploid Atlantic salmon oxygen consumption rates were significantly less than diploids at 18°C, significantly greater at 12°C and not different at 15°C. Triploid brook trout also had significantly lower oxygen consumption rates at the highest experimental temperature (15°C), but were not different from diploids at 9 or 12°C. Both Atlantic salmon and brook trout generally showed typical hematological values expected for diploids and triploids, with no significant temperature effects. There were no significant ploidy or temperature effects on dry matter digestibility for either Atlantic salmon or brook trout. Triploids, overall, did not differ metabolically from their diploid counterparts. |
