Fish Nutrition and Feed Technology (2+1)

Unit 8 - Energy

8.5.Energy metabolism

Energy metabolism is concerned with the catabolism and oxidation of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins within the body, and the consequent release and use of the liberated energy as work for the maintenance of the life process. The free energy liberated from the catabolism and oxidation of the major food nutrients is not utilized directly, but rather is trapped in the chemical form of the energy-rich phosphorus bond of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and thus ATP is the principal driving force in the energy-requiring biochemical processes of life.

Fish and shrimp are aquatic ectotherms and so do not have to expend energy in maintaining a body temperature well above ambient at 37°C. Fish and shrimp therefore have much lower maintenance of energy requirements than terrestrial farm animals.