Applications of a Bioenergetics Model to Yellow Perch (Perca flavescens) and Walleye (Stizostedion vitreum vitreum)

Abstract

A simple energy budget equation is developed to yield a bioenergetics model designed to simulate fish growth. Parameters for the model are estimated from the literature for application to yellow perch (Perca flavescens) and walleye (Stizostedion vitreum vitreum). Simulations are presented that demonstrate model output as functions of body size, activity level, ration level, food quality, and environmental temperature. Sensitivity analyses identify the importance of food consumption, activity, and excretion as biological processes represented in the parameters. On the basis of temperature conditions in selected lakes and specified feeding levels, simulations are presented to quantify the importance of year-to-year variation of temperature in determining growth. In heterothermal systems, temperature selection by percids can have a significant effect on growth. For walleye on fixed rations, annual growth can vary from zero to twofold increments due entirely to differences in summer temperatures. Variations in food quality have lesser effects. Key words: Perca, Stizostedion, bioenergetics model, growth, sensitivity, simulations

Premiers résultats de l'élevage intensif de la perche européenne (Perca fluviatilis) en bassin : effet de la température et du tri sur la croissance

“…This hypothesis is supported by the observations of KARAS and THORESSON (1992) for P. fluviatilis in natural conditions and of HOKANSON (1977) and KITCHELL et al (1977) for P. flavescens, who showed a maximum food consumption of perch between 23 and 28 °C. A problem that may arise at high temperatures is an infestation by Heteropolaria sp.…”

A bioenergetic model to estimate feed requirement of gibel carp, Carassius auratus gibelio

“…The observed FBW in TC max and TC was significant lower than the predicted FBW. The over-estimation in the feeding chart by the bioenergetics modeling in present study could be due to the following errors and needed to be improved in the extended studies: 1) Errors are from the function of energy content and body weight (Kitchell et al, 1977;Stewart et al, 1983;Cui and Wootton, 1989). 2)Errors are from the prediction of growth by specific growth rate in energy.…”

“…The individual perturbation method of sensitivity analysis (Kitchell et al, 1977;Bartell et al, 1986;Cui and Wootton, 1989;Liu, 1998) was used to assess the sensitivity of the output of the bioenergetics models of the variations of the parameters used. Single parameter values were changed by a constant fraction, while the other parameters remained fixed.…”

Can fish introductions alter nutrient cycles in previously fishless high-latitude lakes?

“…Excretion rates were calculated as a function of consumption, with the expression (3) (Kitchell et al, 1977):…”