Effect of dietary propylene glycol on growth, survival, histology, and carcass composition of Atlantic salmon

Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) were fed diets containing 0, 5, 10, 15, or 25% propylene glycol (a compound used to maintain high dietary moisture levels) to determine beneficial or detrimental effects. Weight gain and feed conversion efficiency were better for fish fed the diets containing 5–15% propylene glycol than in those fed diets containing either 0 (control) or 25% propylene glycol. No histological aberrations were noted in fish from any treatment. These results indicate that propylene glycol can effectively be used to elevate moisture level in diets for Atlantic salmon and may enhance diet palatability by improving texture, flavor, or moisture content.