INTACT PROTEIN ABSORPTION BY THE FISH GUT. 2. APPLICATION POTENTIAL AND LIMITATIONS

Abstract

One of the major roles of the fish gut is to exclude antigenic materials. Nevertheless, considerable evidence has accumulated to suggest that the vertebrate gut, in general, is naturally permeable to ingested macromolecules. This has led to the proposal that it may be possible to employ the gut's inherent leakiness as a portal for delivering production-related peptides and proteins within the diet. This article presents an overview of research findings related to the methods employed to manipulate reproduction and growth in cultured fish using the oral route of administration. Consideration is given to the potential application of macromolecule uptake as this relates to disease and the maintenance of health of cultured inventory. In addition, the limitations which are imposed upon the commercial application of the process are briefly examined.

Keywords

• immunostimulants
• peptide antibiotics
• lhrh
• gnrh
• growth hormone