An autumn profile of growth regulatory hormones in chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)

Abstract  We examined trends in the growth regulatory hormones growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) from August to December in chinook salmon. Fish on 100% (ad libitum) and 64% rations of a low fat high protein diet, and a 64% ration of commercial feed (BioOregon-grower) were sampled twice a month. Fish were kept on simulated natural photoperiod at constant temperature. GH declined in late August and early September, consistent with photoperiodic regulation. No effects of ration or diet composition on GH were found. IGF-I increased to a peak on 4 October 1998 and declined thereafter. High dietary ration and the higher fat commercial diet increased IGF-I. Fish length and IGF-I level were positively correlated. This study shows that a peak in IGF-I may occur in the fall in chinook salmon.