Effect of dietary electrolyte balance on growth and acid-base balance in rainbow trout (Salmo gairdnerii)

Abstract 1. 1. Rainbow trout were fed diets containing intact protein (casein) and with electrolyte balances (Na + K — Cl) ranging from −9 to +63.8 meq/100 g of diet. 2. 2. Growth rate and feed conversion were not affected by changes in dietary electrolyte balance. 3. 3. A slight metabolic acidosis was observed in fish fed the +63.8 meq/100 g of diet. 4. 4. Excess dietary sodium and chloride ions are either readily excreted or not assimilated by rainbow trout.