Expression of growth-related genes in muscle during fasting and refeeding of juvenile Atlantic halibut, Hippoglossus hippoglossus L.

The aim of this study was to establish a fasting-refeeding protocol to investigate the expression of growth-related genes during the transition between catabolic and anabolic states in Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus L.). Juveniles of approximately 950 g were maintained at ambient temperature (5-8 degrees C) until the 1st of May, then fasted for two months and refed for two months at 7.

Activity of aspargate (cathepsin D), cysteine proteases (cathepsins B, B + L, and H), and matrix metallopeptidase (collagenase) and their influence on protein and water-holding capacity of muscle in commercially farmed atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus L.).

Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus L.) were commercially farmed in Helgeland, Norway (May 2004-May 2005). The average weight (Mb) of fish increased over the 12 month production cycle by approximately 73% for females and approximately 50% for males, although during the winter months (November-early May) Mb was unchanged in females and declined by 18% in males because of sexual maturation and sperm release.