Bomber,

A close examination of the HNV theory is what I propose. Once established (or indeed re-established) we can see what effect such tinkerings might have. If people really like the HNV theory then they must do so for some reason. So let's here the science behind it. Afterall, it is a well followed theory. So what is the reason?
We can do feeding behavior another time. Let's stick to asking what is it about HNV that people find attractive?

Roobish.

Probably to give something back to the carp in the best food soarce we can for growing and they will know is good for them and keep eating it and us catching.?

HIGH- NUTRITIVE-VALUE BAITS by fred wilton .

the use of high-protein baits is based on my belief that fish have an
ability lacking in humans,namely the ability to recognize the
nutritive value of foods they have eaten and digested, and that
this ability is combined with an instinctive urge to eat the most
nutritious foods available to them .
this area of fish behaviour is not well documented and large numbers
of people, including some well known anglers, FIND IT IMPOSSIBLE
TO ACCEPT MY IDEAS.
i can only say that ten years of experimenting with these baits my
observations have only further convinced me that the original concept was correct .

carp and ther carp angler....1980 .

seems that not much has changed and some people still doubt hnv

perhaps you should look at the makeup of carp pellets from the certain sources!

try this

hnv = high nutritional value (obvious i know) ,however, i suspect that this is going over the heads of many!

I dont think there is any scientific evidance specifically relating to fish and nutrional recognition... just the 'research' anglers have been doing over the last 30 odd years.
Im not sure how valid the aquaculture indusrty is in terms of HNV baits either.. Im sure they would laugh at the thought of having to paying £1 a kilo.. let alone 10..
I believe there are research papers that prove animals will take advantage of foods rich in vitamin lacking from they're normal diet...

In simple terms Roobish.. and Im no bait buff..

If you can provide fish with a food (bait) in quantity over a period of time, that doesn't crawl under gravel, hide in weed or bury itself in silt, and fulfills all of they're dietary requirements, to my way of thinking they will take advantage of it.

If you were given the choice of going out and hunting for, and then having to cook your food, or having someone do it for you...........

So, collectively what I am reading is that there is no scientific basis for HNV baits other than when people make them, the carp eats them. It's not possible for anglers to claim a scientific study on a bait that 'works' as I would argue that the said anglers know how to fish, which is far more important. Putting a bait in the right place is better than putting a bait anywhere that a carp likes. As the anglers with 30 years of experience have passed down their knowledge to 'instant' carp anglers the fact a HNV bait works isn't scientific. There doesn't appear to be anything to base this theory on at all, nobody has offered anything but the 'feeling' that carp have a sixth sense that tells them that certain foods will be better for them. As a biologist, I can understand why that theory is not well accepted and the paragraph from carp and the carp angler by George Sharman is a good example of adding two and two and making five hundred. It might be true that you can catch a carp on HNV baits but does that mean they trump other more simple baits? People wax on about them so frequently, I'm amazed nobody can offer anything but conjecture as to the reason anyone should go through the trouble of adding 'enzymes' or anything else to a bait. Carp pellets are good for the nutrition, that much is true. So would they eat them over a more flavored offering? Given the choice, many animals will eat things that they consider 'treats' over things that are good for them. So is a HNV bait better than a 'treat' for a carp or is HNV baits a 'treat' itself?

I'm still searching for any scientific proof that a carp will take up a HNV food offering over another one. In the absence of this, I wonder if everyone is just wasting their time?

Roobish