Energy Storage and Utilization Patterns of Gizzard Shad in Acton Lake, Ohio

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Abstract
Seasonal changes in dry body weight and caloric and lipid contents were studied in ages 0 and I and ages I and II gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum) in 1973 and 1974, respectively. Dry body weight increases were best described by second and third order polynomial equations, with maximum values occurring in late autumn. Data on body caloric and lipid contents indicated a period of rapid storage in late summer and early autumn. Declines in average dry body weight, body calories, and body lipids occurred during the winter months. The intensity of the fattening process was greater in age‐I fish than in ages 0 and II fish. The highest values of body lipids (30% of dry weight) and calories (6,909 cal/g ash‐free dry weight) were observed in age‐I fish on 16 November and 20 November 1973, respectively. Lipid reserves were mobilized during over‐wintering and, in age‐II fish, during the reproductive cycle. Energy reserves may also be utilized for body maintenance and growth when reductions occur in the availability or quality of the food supply.