George et al,

The food manufacturers are correct in providing Fall/Winter foods for KOI
and Goldfish. Ingrid does not know what she is talking about. Wheat Germ
is a main ingredient in these foods because the Wheat Germ is one of the
most digestiable foods for the fish at colder temperatures, plus is is about
30% simple proteins for the fish to use readily. In addition, wheat germ
also provides about 55% simple carbohydrates for the fish to turn in to
muscle fats to store in their tissues to tid them over for the long cold
winter.

The Higher protein foods that Ingrid is always saying the fish need produce
fats also but they produce complex fats and have a trendency to accumulate
around the heart, liver, etc. These fats are not readily available for the
fish to use as winter stores for energy and the simple carbohydrates supply
the simpler fats that accumuate in the tissues that are easily accessible
when the fish needs it for winter engery.

All Japanese and Chinese breeders and collectors of KOI and Goldfish who
keep their fish outside through the winters always feed their fish foods
with carbohydrates in order for the fish to build up tissue fats for winter
use. Wheat Germ, over the years, has become one of the components that
experienced people have used for years.

Wheat Germ is good for the fish, especially if the fish is staying out side
for the winter where water temperatures get into the forties.

Tom L.L.
"George" wrote in message
...

wrote in message
...
I really doubt that koi and GF can digest wheat germ. it is mostly a
complex carb
which they dont digest. OTOH, it is bulk. Ingrid

Be sure to ony feed them easily digestible food
in the winter (preferably something that is mostly made of wheat germ, as
it
will give them the most of the nutritian they need and is easily
digested).


If you look at the literature, that is what has always been recommended.
And every manufacturer of food for koi sell a product that is primarily
wheat germ, and sell it as food for use during winter months. Go figure.