Low extrusion pressure and small feed particle size improve the growth performance and digestive physiology of rockfish (Sebastes schlegeli).

Extrusion technology is known to enhance feed quality by controlling feed processing conditions. Although extrusion technology has been extensively used to improve livestock feed quality, research on its effects on quality in fish is lacking. Furthermore, studies on feed processing, the physical properties of feed produced using extruders, and the effects of extrusion on formulated feed quality remain scarce. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effects of extrusion pressure and raw material particle size on the growth performance and digestive physiology of rockfish (Sebastes schlegeli). Experimental diets were prepared under different extrusion pressures by manipulating the screw speed [low pressure (LP), 1080 rpm/min; high pressure (HP), 620 rpm/min] and mean raw material particle sizes [small size (SS), 199.1 μm3; large size (LS), 1026.8 μm3] in a two-level factorial design. Four experimental diets (SS/LP, SS/HP, LS/LP, and LS/HP) were randomly assigned to 12 tanks (3 replicates), which were each stocked with 30 fish (initial mean body weight, 82.7 ± 0.2 g). After a 16-week feeding trial, observations showed that SS and LP enhanced fish weight gain and plasma growth-related hormone activity. In addition, SS and LP increased intestinal digestive activity in fish, positively affecting growth. These results indicate that manipulating physical pellet qualities by adjusting the feed ingredient extrusion pressure and raw material particle size can improve the growth performance and digestive physiology of rockfish, which should be considered in feed manufacturing. • Extrusion pressure and particle size improved rockfish growth rate and growth hormone activity. • Higher water absorption ability of feed was associated with better fish growth. • SS and LP enhanced fish weight gain and plasma growth-related hormone activity. • SS and LP increased the digestive activity of the intestines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]