Feeding time differentially affects fattening and growth of channel catfish

Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) were held on a 12-h light, 12-h dark photoperiod (light onset 0600 h) and fed a nonpurified diet daily at either 0730 or 1600 h or a half ration at both of these times of day. The feeding time conducive to total growth (0730 h) differed from that conducive to fattening (1600 h). Fish fed a half ration at both times of day had body weights similar to those fed a single early meal but also had high abdominal fat weights similar to those fed a single late meal. Feeding schedule appears to be an important factor in determining the metabolic fate of nutrients.