How wud you grow your koi

[PapaBear]

I think this really is touching on the problems faced by so many in the tropics. The high temperature metabolic rate allows for accelerated growth, but the health issues encountered cause the shortened lifespans and make it more difficult to raise even the best bloodlines to their best potential finish, much less hold it well for a period of years. It may be an ideal circumstance for rapidly growing food fish as longevity is not even a consideration, but for the living art of Koi it is a huge obstacle to the high standards set by serious Koi Keepers. This is one of the reasons why I have so much personal admiration for people like DTBH who have not only acquired excellent Koi, but have kept them so well in less than perfect "Koi" climate conditions.

JR,
You mentioned in one of the earlier posts that the high temperatures (26-28deg C) actually cause their digestive efficiency to decline somewhat. How does this translate into the specific food type being utilized? Does it cause them to digest everything less efficiently, or is there a difference between the way they are able to assimilate Proteins, vs. Fats and other Carbohydrates? Also, is it simply that they don't digest the various food types as well, or that they don't convert them to muscle mass? I'm trying to think in terms of putting together a diet for those high temperatures that will make the best use of the total food package while minimizing the accumulation of body fats that could cause fatty liver disease, etc... Would the inclusion of digestive enhancers like Bacillus subtilis or Lactobacilli improve the feed package?

[JasPR]

Larry , its the metabolic rate that works at it's most efficient level between 68 F and 76 F. Some of this has to do with oxygen saturation levels but in the end, we can call it a temperature zone for perfect physiological function.
People think that feeding ten times a day is putting more food INTO the koi. But what is happening is more food passes through the digestive tract, but at a faster when koi are being fed above this zone. And less is absorbed than when the temps are cooler. But the fish is more 'hungry' in warmer water so the unaware keeper simply feeds more and more. If you want to take advantage of the summer season you do feed small amounts more often. But the concept and what is really happening are often two different things. This is not about food type as much as metabolism. No question, animal protein is indeed the thing for seasonal growth. To a limit. I say that because long term deformity and ironically, slower growth, is also seen when protein is too high and at the expense of the other food groups/types. - JR

[hwong]

Thank you all and especially JR for your inputs. I am sure the info that you have provided will be be of great interest to folks in our area. Hopefully, we can report back with monstrous growth and enduring qualities. Hmnnn...lets see;.. report back in 8 years?

[PapaBear]

You'll have to be sure to fill us in on the writeup you do, and the feedback you get from your membership. You've got some savvy Koi Kichi in your neck of the woods and hearing what they have tried, both successes and failures, would be good to hear.