Effect of water temperature on the skeletal deformity in ascorbic acid-deficient rainbow trout.

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Abstract
The effect of rearing water temperature on the skeletal deformity in ascorbic acid-deficient rainbow trout, weighing 0.17g on average, was investigated. Three groups of fish were fed a diet at one of three ascorbic acid levels, i.e., 0, 2, and 200mg of L-ascorbic acid per 100g of diet, and were maintained either at 16°C or at 20°C for 20 weeks. Two other groups were given a diet at one of two ascorbic acid levels, i.e., 0 and 200mg of L-ascorbic acid per 100g of diet, and maintained at 16°C for the first 10 weeks and at 20°C for the last 10 weeks. Lower growth was observed in the groups maintained at 20°C irrespective of dietary ascorbic acid levels. The skeletal deformity was observed only in the ascorbic acid-deficient groups. The rate of development of skeletal deformity increased markedly in the group which was maintained initially at 16°C with subsequent rise of water temperature to 20°C. These results indicate that underhydroxylated collagen in the tissues of ascorbic acid-deficient fish is denatured and digested quickly at higher water temperature, resulting in the low collagen content of the connective tissues, and finally developing a fragile bone structure.

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