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Bioelectrical impedance analysis: A new tool for assessing fish condition

January 1, 2015

Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is commonly used in human health and nutrition fields but has only recently been considered as a potential tool for assessing fish condition. Once BIA is calibrated, it estimates fat/moisture levels and energy content without the need to kill fish. Despite the promise held by BIA, published studies have been divided on whether BIA can provide accurate estimates of body composition in fish. In cases where BIA was not successful, the models lacked the range of fat levels or sample sizes we determined were needed for model success (range of dry fat levels of 29%, n = 60, yielding an R2 of 0.8). Reduced range of fat levels requires an increased sample size to achieve that benchmark; therefore, standardization of methods is needed. Here we discuss standardized methods based on a decade of research, identify sources of error, discuss where BIA is headed, and suggest areas for future research.

Publication Year 2015
Title Bioelectrical impedance analysis: A new tool for assessing fish condition
DOI 10.1080/03632415.2015.1106943
Authors Kyle J. Hartman, F. Joseph Margraf, Andrew W. Hafs, M. Keith Cox
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Fisheries
Index ID 70168336
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization Coop Res Unit Leetown