Optimizing Feeding Regimens with Differential Protein Levels to Enhance Growth and Health in Juvenile Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides)
Feeding fish with the right amount of protein is essential for their growth and health, but finding the optimal feeding regimen remains a challenge for fish farmers. This study investigated the effects of dynamic protein feeding regimens on growth performance and health status in juvenile largemouth bass, an economically important aquaculture species. We tested five different protein feeding strategies with varying protein levels across different growth stages to determine which approach produces the healthiest and fastest-growing fish. Our results showed that adjusting protein levels at specific developmental stages significantly influenced fish metabolism and health outcomes. Fish fed with low protein at the start followed by high protein in the middle and final stages showed improved immune function and better antioxidant capacity in their blood. Those receiving low protein at the start and middle stages but high protein at the end showed enhanced digestive enzyme activity. The regimen of starting with low protein and maintaining high protein through the middle and final stages also pro-moted healthier intestinal bacteria diversity. This low-high-high protein approach proved most effective for balancing growth, immune health, antioxidant function, and intestinal microbiome stability. These findings provide practical feeding guidelines that enable fish farmers to raise healthier largemouth bass more efficiently, supporting sustainable and cost-effective freshwater aquaculture production.