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This study assessed the protein and energy requirements of Cobia (Rachycentron canadum) using a bio-energetic factorial approach. Using a series of interrelated studies, several parameters were defined to enable the construction of a bio-energetic factorial model for this species. The studies included two controlled laboratory experiments and also extensive field-data collection from commercial and research farms in Vietnam. The devised model includes parameters for both maintenance and protein demands; the effect of fish live-weight on maintenance protein (LW 0.697), lipid (LW 0.972), and energy demands (LW 0.815); the efficiencies of protein, lipid and energy utilisation at various protein, lipid and energy intake levels; and the variability in whole body composition with varying live-weight. The protein utilisation efficiencies (0.456 • [protein intake]-0.445), lipid utilisation efficiencies (1.292 • [lipid intake]-1.120) and energy utilisation efficiencies (0.651 • [energy intake]-48.41) were similar to other carnivorous fish species. However, the maintenance requirements for both energy (74.3 kJ/ kgBW 0.8 / dat 28ºC) and protein (0.99 g/ kgBW 0.7 /d at 27.9ºC) were about double to other species. Using this modelling approach it was possible to iteratively derive optimal dietary protein and energy specifications for this species.

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