POLYCULTURE OF CHANNEL CATFISH (Ictalurus punctatus) WITH ALL-MALE TILAPIA HYBRID

Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) (x? = 0.8 g) and all-male hybrid tilapia fingerlings (Sarotherodon mossambica ♂ × S. hornorum ♀) (x? = 35.0 g) were stocked in 0.04 ha replicated ponds in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in March and July 1981, respectively. The ponds were stocked at densities of 11,110 catfish per ha, 11,110 catfish with 5,550 tilapia per ha, 7,400 catfish per ha, and 7,400 catfish with 3,700 tilapia per ha. The fish were fed daily at 4% of estimated catfish biomass and were harvested in November 1981. There were no differences in dissolved oxygen or water temperature among the four culture systems (P > 0.05). The presence of tilapia, however, significantly increased water turbidity, pH and chlorophyll a concentrations (P < 0.05). Tilapia did not improve water quality and may have deteriorated it. Tilapia did not affect channel catfish growth or production (P > 0.05), but the presence of tilapia did significantly increase total fish yield (P < 0.05) by 13.5 and 32.2% at low and high catfish densities, respectively. Channel catfish and tilapia averaged 390 and 245 g at harvest, respectively. Overall catfish survival averaged 61%. Tilapia survival was 72% and 61% at low and high densities, respectively.     

Culture of organic tilapia to market size in periphyton‐based ponds with reduced feed inputs

In fish production under organic standards, only organic feeds and manures can be supplied. The cost of organic pelleted feeds is twice that of regular feeds. To support the organic production of hybrid tilapia [Oreochromis niloticus (L.) ×Oreochromis aureus (Steindachner)], a series of experiments in earthen ponds, to improve natural food production for this fish while reducing costs of added feed, are in progress. To improve natural food production for tilapia, plastic substrates equivalent to 50% of the pond surface were introduced into the water column to induce periphyton growth on them. To reduce costs, the feeding rate on pelleted feed was reduced to 60%. Tilapia growth in these periphyton ponds was then compared with ponds without underwater substrates that received the full feed rate. The polyculture consisted of 90% large (320 g stocking weight) hybrid tilapia and small amounts of other fish, at a total stocking density of 13 800 fish ha^?1, during 87 summer days. The results showed improved nitrification and the development of a large autotrophic periphyton biomass that competed with the phytoplankton in the periphyton ponds, and only a 10% and 15% reduction, respectively, in the tilapia daily and specific growth rates, with 40% feed saving. These results point towards periphyton‐based aquaculture as an appropriate technology for the reduction in production costs, allowing economically viable organic tilapia production.     

Relationship Between Dietary Protein Source and Feeding Frequency During Feeding Nile Tilapia,Oreochromis niloticus (L.) Cultured in Concrete Tanks

ABSTRACT

A 24-week feeding trial was conducted in concrete tanks with Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (L.) with an average initial weight and length of 50.87 ± 6.03 g and 14.4 ± 0.45 cm, respectively, to examine the effect of two protein sources and two feeding frequencies on growth performance, production traits, and body composition. Twelve 4 m³ concrete tanks (2 × 2 × 1.25 m, long, width, and height) were each stocked with 100 fish and fed diets containing either fish meal protein or soybean meal protein at two feeding frequency of two times daily or four times daily (2 × 2 × 3 factorial experiment). The results revealed that there was no significant effect of dietary protein sources on growth rate, whereas there was a significant increase in growth rate with increasing feeding frequency (P < 0.05). The same trend was also observed for mean body weight (g), production rate (kg/m3), specific growth rate (SGR % day^?1). The best final mean body weight (g), specific growth rate (SGR % day^?1), and production rate (kg/m3) were recorded in groups of fish fed with feeding frequency four times daily. Whole fish moisture, protein, fat, and ash contents were significantly influenced (P ≤ 0.05) by protein sources and feeding frequency, except protein not influenced with feeding frequency. Energy was significantly (P < 0.05) influenced by feeding frequency, but not by dietary protein sources. Economic evaluation indicated that soybean meal (Diet B) at four times feeding daily was the most cost-effective and affordable feed strategy for farmers. We conclude that a soybean diet fed four times daily is recommended for adult Nile tilapia reared in concrete tanks.     

BALB/c小鼠用于评价尼罗罗非鱼无乳链球菌毒力的研究

实验采用BALB/c小鼠作为实验动物,旨在建立尼罗罗非鱼无乳链球菌毒力测定的BALB/c小鼠模型。BALB/c小鼠经腹腔注射尼罗罗非鱼源无乳链球菌建立感染模型,比较了尼罗罗非鱼源无乳链球菌分别感染尼罗罗非鱼和小鼠的LD_(50)差异,分别测定了不同毒力尼罗罗非鱼无乳链球菌对尼罗罗非鱼和小鼠的毒力。结果显示,小鼠经腹腔注射无乳链球菌,在24 h内出现死亡现象,且对小鼠脑、肝脏、脾脏、肾脏等组织造成损伤。3次测定尼罗罗非鱼无乳链球菌TFJ0901对尼罗罗非鱼和小鼠LD_(50)分别为7.7×10~7、2.2×10~8、3.5×10~9 CFU/mL和405、361、419 CFU/只。将无乳链球菌TFJ0901和THN0901感染尼罗罗非鱼(1.0×10~7 CFU/mL)和小鼠(100 CFU/只),尼罗罗非鱼和小鼠存活率分别为100%、6.7%±5.8%和100%、0,其存活率都具有显著性差异。将无乳链球菌TFJ0901和TFJ-F感染尼罗罗非鱼(3.0×10~8 CFU/mL)和小鼠(2 500 CFU/只),尼罗罗非鱼的存活率分别为73.3%±11.5%和80.0%±10.0%,存活率差异不显著,小鼠存活率分别为13.3%±11.5%和100.0%,存活率具有显著性差异。研究表明,本实验成功建立了BALB/c小鼠作为尼罗罗非鱼源无乳链球菌毒力测定的稳定模型,测定不同毒力的尼罗罗非鱼源无乳链球菌对小鼠毒力与对尼罗罗非鱼毒力一致,且该模型能够区分尼罗罗非鱼模型难以区分的毒力相近的无乳链球菌。     

海豚链球菌感染对不同品系罗非鱼血液生化指标和肝脏HSP70 mRNA表达的影响

以吉富罗非鱼、新吉富罗非鱼、埃及尼罗罗非鱼和红罗非鱼为研究对象,饲养100d后,进行海豚链球菌(2.95×108CFU/mL)感染试验,分析攻毒前后各品系罗非鱼的血液生化指标和肝脏HSP70 mRNA表达量的变化规律。另从各桶中取20尾鱼进行同样的攻毒试验,统计攻毒后各时间点的累积死亡率。结果表明,感染海豚链球菌96h后,吉富罗非鱼和新吉富罗非鱼对病原较为敏感,累积死亡率分别达到36.67%和38.33%;埃及尼罗罗非鱼对病原敏感性较差,试验期间未见死亡。吉富罗非鱼、新吉富罗非鱼和红罗非鱼血清皮质醇和葡萄糖水平以及肝脏HSP70 mRNA的表达量在攻毒后明显提高,血清谷丙转氨酶、谷草转氨酶与溶菌酶活力也呈上升趋势,碱性磷酸酶活力与甘油三酯和胆固醇水平低于攻毒前。埃及尼罗罗非鱼可以利用糖原和脂类产生的能量,提高了HSPS与一些特定免疫蛋白(溶菌酶、球蛋白等)的合成,增强了鱼体的非特异性免疫力。罗非鱼选育过程中,需要将抗病力与生长性能进行有效的结合,在注重生长速度的同时也要增强其抗应激能力,从而为罗非鱼产业的可持续发展提供保证。     

Overwintering performance of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus (L.) broodfish and seed at ambient temperatures in northern Vietnam

Two experiments (E1 and E2) to assess the performance of tilapia broodstock and tilapia sex‐reversed fry in overwintering were conducted at the Research Institute for Aquaculture No.1 (RIA‐1) in the cold seasons of 1995–96 and 1996–97. Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus (L.) broodstock of the Thai, GIFT, Egypt and Viet strains were overwintered in deep and shallow ponds, as well as in deep and shallow hapas suspended in a single deep pond for evaluation of the influence of overwintering systems on the survival and growth of fish. Large (> 1 g) and small (< 1 g) tilapia seed were overwintered in deep hapas‐in‐ponds for comparison of their performance. In 1995–96, the coldest pond water temperature was 10–11 °C, and survival of tilapia broodfish overwintered in deep and shallow hapas‐in‐ponds was 99.6–100%. This was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than fish stocked in deep and shallow ponds (74.4–90%). The survival rate of larger monosex tilapia fry was 54%, which was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that of smaller fry (33.4%). In 1996–97, the lowest pond water temperature was 15.8 °C, and fry showed similarly high survival rates in all treatments (97–100%). There was no significant difference between fry in the two size classes. The results of this study clearly indicate that hapas‐in‐ponds are useful for reducing the risk and improving the survival of tilapia broodstock and fry in the cold season. Differences in the decline in ambient temperatures year on year mean that the need for special overwintering conditions varies. Hapas‐in‐ponds are a low‐cost overwintering method that can be one of the appropriate strategies for tilapia seed production under the variable, cool temperature regimes in northern Vietnam.     

低温驯化下4种不同品系罗非鱼血清皮质醇与免疫相关指标的变化

选取4种不同品系罗非鱼, 分别为吉富罗非鱼(Oreochromis niloticus)、奥尼罗非鱼(O. niloticus×O. aureus)、红罗非鱼(O. nilotica♂× O. mossambica♀)和奥利亚罗非鱼(O. aureaus)。在26℃水温下饲养3周后, 选取规格基本一致的罗非鱼(体质量50.73 g±4.23 g)进行低温驯化实验。水温以3℃/d的速度从26℃降至8℃, 分别于水温为26℃、20℃、14℃和8℃时进行采样, 比较不同驯化阶段4种不同品系罗非鱼血清皮质醇和免疫相关指标的变化规律。结果表明, 与26℃时的免疫指标相比, 水温降至8℃时, 吉富与红罗非鱼血清皮质醇水平显著升高; 然而血清C3、C4、IgM以及头肾C型溶菌酶mRNA水平显著下降(P<0.05), 血清中高皮质醇水平对鱼体的免疫产生了抑制作用。水温为8℃时, 奥尼罗非鱼血清皮质醇、IgM和补体C3以及头肾抗菌肽mRNA水平显著升高; 奥利亚血清皮质醇、C4和IgM以及头肾C型溶菌酶mRNA水平与26℃时相比无显著差异, 然而血清溶菌酶与C3水平降低。驯化实验结束后, 比较了4种不同品系罗非鱼在8℃水温下48 h内的累积死亡率。吉富与红罗非鱼组累积死亡率较高, 分别达到43.3%和40.0%; 奥尼罗非鱼其次, 为23.3%; 奥利亚罗非鱼最低, 为20.0%。较高的血清IgM和头肾溶菌酶和抗菌肽mRNA水平可能有助于提高奥尼和奥利亚罗非鱼的抗低温应激能力, 增加低温时的成活率。本研究通过分析4种品系罗非鱼不同驯化阶段血清皮质醇和免疫相关指标, 探讨不同品系罗非鱼在低温驯化过程中的免疫保护机制, 旨在为下一步抗低温新品系罗非鱼的选育提供理论依据。

     

无乳链球菌感染尼罗罗非鱼的脑膜炎模型

目的：脑膜炎是罗非鱼无乳链球菌病的特征性临床症状,建立罗非鱼无乳链球菌脑膜炎模型,并制定相应的临床症状及组织病理学评分系统,对研究罗非鱼无乳链球菌病的致病机制具有十分重要的意义。方法：将健康罗非鱼43尾,随机分为4组：对照组(n=10)和试验组(n=33)。3组试验组根据不同感染剂量分为：10₆cfu组(n=11)、10₇cfu组(n=11)、10₈cfu组(n=11)。试验组分别将10₆、10₇、10₈CFU的无乳链球菌菌液腹腔注射罗非鱼复制脑膜炎模型。对感染罗非鱼的临床症状、剖检病变、脑组织(端脑、中脑、小脑、延脑)病理学进行判定,并结合细菌学检测,按照拟定的评分系统评价各组脑膜炎的造模效果,确定最佳造模方案。结果：各试验攻毒组罗非鱼感染后2天均出现不同程度死亡,未见明显神经症状。感染3天后鱼体开始出现异常活动的神经症状及突眼、角膜混浊等病理变化。病理组织学观察可见：蛛网膜下腔和脑软膜上有大量炎性渗出和染成蓝紫色微细颗粒的细菌团块,脑膜充血、水肿、疏松、增厚,有大量的中性白细胞等炎性细胞浸润;脑实质基质疏松水肿,呈海绵状;脑组织炎性细胞浸润,胶质细胞增生等软脑膜炎、脑膜脑炎症状。比较各组得分发现,10₇CFU组的无乳链球菌攻毒罗非鱼造模效果最好：临床症状显著而组内罗非鱼差异性最小,组织病理学观察患病罗非鱼病情和缓适中、利于观察研究。结论：使用10₇CFU无乳链球菌腹腔攻毒罗非鱼可在第3天成功构建脑膜炎模型,造模率为100%。     

Tilapia recirculating aquaculture systems as a source of plant growth promoting bacteria

A recirculating aquaculture system with farmed tilapia is the most popular combination in aquaponics, an integration of aquaculture and hydroponics. Despite nutrient‐rich fish‐rearing water being regarded as a valuable resource for aquaponics, the quality and value of inhabitant microorganisms are certainly understudied. Our present research illustrates the feasibility of the tilapia‐rearing water as a valuable source of beneficial microorganisms called plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB). Microbial communities were examined with a combination of culture‐independent high‐throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing and cultivation methods. Microbial communities determined using high‐throughput sequencing indicated the usefulness of Bacteroidetes and Alphaproteobacteria as beneficial microbial indicators to assess the health condition of recirculating aquaculture systems. Siderophore production, ammonia production and phosphate solubilization assays were used for screening and 41% of isolates were identified as plant growth promoting bacteria. These bacteria were classified as Actinobacteria (eight strains [32% in total], Dietzia, Gordonia, Microbacterium, Mycobacterium and Rhodococcus), Bacilli (six strains [24%], Bacillus and Paenibacillus), Flavobacteriia (one strain [4%], Myroides), Betaproteobacteria (two strains [8%], Acidovorax and Chromobacterium) and Gammaproteobacteria (eight strains [32%], Aeromonas, Plesiomonas and Pseudomonas). We found that the tilapia‐rearing water naturally contained various lineages of PGPB and could be esteemed as a worthy seed bank of PGPB. Because aquaponics is a difficult system to use pesticides and herbicides, the role of PGPB to prevent plant pathogens and maintain healthy root system may be more important than traditional agricultural settings.     

Effects of open-pond density and caged biomass of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) on growth, feed utilization, economic returns and water quality in fertilized ponds

The effects of open‐water and caged fish density on growth, feed utilization, water quality and profitability were investigated to assess the feasibility of a small‐scale rotational system for production of Oreochromis niloticus (L.) in fertilized ponds. Hand‐sexed male fingerlings averaging 18.6 and 29.9 g were stocked in open water and cages, respectively in four treatments with open‐pond:caged tilapia ratios of 300:0 (control), 150:150 (L), 300:150 (H1) and 300:300 (H2). The ponds in L and H1 contained one cage, two cages in H2, and the control ponds had no cages. Each cage contained 150 fish, which were fed daily at 1.5% body weight for 125 days. All fish in the open water except the control fish were not fed. Growth of open water tilapia was significantly (P<0.05) higher in L than in control. Feed utilization, dawn DO and economic returns were significantly better (P<0.05) in caged than control ponds. Growth of tilapia in L was significantly lower (P<0.05) in cages than in open water. Fingerling production was significantly lower (P<0.05) in L than in other treatments. In conclusion, cage‐cum‐open‐pond integrated treatment (L) was optimal for O. niloticus production in fertilized ponds. However, the system could not rotate and needed further fine‐tuning to rotate.     

Efficacy of an experimentally inactivated Streptococcus agalactiae vaccine in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) reared in Brazil

Tilapia aquaculture is one of the fastest‐growing segments of fish production in Brazil. Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is largely cultivated in the state of Parana, where Streptococcus agalactiae is the cause of severe disease outbreaks. The objective of this paper was to evaluate an inactivated S. agalactiae vaccine in tilapia for the control of streptococcal disease outbreaks. Tilapia, weighing approximately 20 g each, were intraperitoneally (i.p.) inoculated with 0.1 mL of the vaccine at a dose of 2.0 × 10⁸ colony‐forming unit (CFU) mL^?1. One group of tilapia (treatment 1) received one vaccine dose, and the other group of tilapia (treatment 2) received two doses, with an interval of 21 days. The control group was i.p. inoculated with 0.1 mL tryptic soy broth fish^?1. Immunized and control tilapia were i.p. challenged with 0.1 mL of 3.0 × 10⁷ CFU mL^?1 at 30 days post vaccination. The fish were monitored daily for disease signs and for mortality for 16 days post challenge. A statistically significant difference (P=0.0045) was found between the mortality of treatments 1 and 2. The value of relative per cent of survival of 83.6% and 96.4%, respectively, indicate that this vaccine was efficient in Nile tilapia.     

Enhancement of Monosex Hybrid Red Tilapia,Oreochromis mossambicus × O. niloticusProduction in Portable Canvas Tanks Through Mixed-Feeding Strategies

Abstract

The viability of mixed-feeding schedules utilizing low-and high-protein diets for the production of monosex hybrid red tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus × O. niloticuswas evaluated. Male red tilapia juveniles (mean initial weight 16.8±0.08 g) stocked at a rate of 159 fish/m³ in canvas tanks (3.05m × 0.92m × 1.22m) were grown under five different feeding schedules for 24 weeks. Two schedules, using low (25%, A) and high (35%, B) dietary protein were designated as control. Three mixed-feeding schedules tested were: the feeding of 1 day of low protein diet followed by 3 days of high-protein diet (1A/3B); 2 days of low-protein diet followed by 3 days of high-protein diet (2A/3B); and 3 days of low-protein diet followed by 3 days of high-protein diet (3A/ 3B). Results showed that growth performance parameters, such as specific growth rate (% SGR), percent gain, and weight gain were significantly higher (P < 0.05) for fish maintained on the feeding schedule of 3A/3B. Similarly, the feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency ratio, and protein retention values were also significantly better for fish grown under this schedule. In terms of production, the 3A/3B feeding schedule also resulted in the highest total yield (kg/m³) and yield above 250 g. The 3A/3B feeding schedule resulted in a 10.1% protein saving relative to Diet B. These results suggest that a 3A/3B feeding schedule be adopted for the best biological and economical performance of red tilapia.     

Quantitative and qualitative studies on bacterial flora of hybrid tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus × O. aureus) cultured in earthen ponds in Saudi Arabia

The bacterial flora of the rearing pond water and sediment as well as the gills and intestine of healthy hybrid tilapia cultured in Saudi Arabia was estimated quantitatively and qualitatively, the isolates being identified at genus or species level. Total viable counts of bacteria (measured as colony‐forming units, cfu) were in the range 5.6 ± 0.8 × 10³ to 2.4 ± 1.2 × 10⁴ cfu mL^?1 in pond water; 9.3 ± 1.1 × 10⁶ to 1.9 ± 1.5 × 10⁸ cfu g^?1 in sediment; 7.1 ± 0.7 × 10⁵ to 8.7 ± 1.1 × 10⁶ cfu g^?1 in the gills of tilapia; and 3.4 ± 1.8 × 10⁶ to 5.8 ± 0.4 × 10⁷ cfu g^?1 in the intestine of tilapia. In total, 15 bacterial genera and 18 species were identified. Pond water and sediment bacteria reflected the bacterial composition in the gills and intestine of tilapia. In contrast to gill bacteria, more diversification was observed in intestinal bacteria. Corynebacterium urealyticum, Shewanella putrefaciens and Aeromonas hydrophila predominated in all samples. In pond water, C. urealyticurn, S. putrefaciens, A. hydrophila, Flavobacterium sp. and Pseudomonas sp. were the most predominant bacterial species (prevalence > 10%), whereas A. hydrophila, C. urealyticum, S. putrefaciens and Escherichia coli were predominant in pond sediment, and C. urealyticum, S. putrefaciens and A. hydrophila were predominant in both the gills and intestine of tilapia.     

Comparative study of growth performance of three strains of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, L. at two stocking densities

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of stocking density (125 or 200 fish m^?3) on the growth performance of three strains of the Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus: the non‐improved strain (NS), the genetically improved farmed tilapia (GIFT) and the Freshwater Aquaculture Center selected tilapia known as the FaST selected line (SL). Each strain and density combination was triplicated in 0.42 m³ fibreglass tanks within a re‐circulating water system. Water temperature was maintained at 29.0±1.0°C. Large Nile tilapia having a mean body weight of 100–110 g were stocked in each tank and hand‐fed four times daily with commercial tilapia pellets (35% protein) for 104 days. Results showed that at the two stocking densities, the GIFT and SL strains showed a significantly higher (P<0.05) mean weight (MWT), daily growth rate (DGR), specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and gross yield (GY) than the NS. In all three strains, growth performance was negatively affected by stocking density. The lower density (125 fish m^?3) treatments had significantly higher MWT, DGR and SGR than the higher density one (200 fish m^?3). However, higher FCR and GY were observed at the higher density. Survival rates were high in all treatments and were not affected by strain or density. In general, the SL strain had better growth parameters than the GIFT strain. The findings of this study demonstrated the superior growth performance of the improved strains at both densities compared with the NS. The higher density (200 fish m^?3) could be more profitable for the tilapia farms in Kuwait than the lower density of (125 fish m^?3) in terms of reduced land cost and facilities, demand on the limited low‐salinity underground water and manpower.     

Feeding management strategies to optimize the use of suspended feed for Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) cultivated in bioflocs

Feeding strategies of tilapia (initial average weight: 32 g) cultivated with Biofloc technology (BFT) (carbon source: sugarcane, C:N ratio: 6:1) for 56 days were studied. A 4 × 3 factorial experimental design was used with four feeding frequencies (one, two, three and four times a day) and three feeding rates (50%, 75% and 100% consumption in relation to apparent satiety), with four replicates. Lower levels of dissolved oxygen, protein retention rate and body protein content were found in fish fed once a day. The reduction in feeding rate resulted in lower average final weight and reduced growth but promoted a decrease in the concentration of total ammonia nitrogen, solids, hepatosomatic index and body lipids. We found better efficiency of protein utilization at 75% feed. The nutritional value of the floc was not affected by the feeding frequency, and the feeding rate reduction from 100% to 75% did not alter the protein content of the floc. Thus, twice‐daily feeding frequency is sufficient for Nile tilapia fingerlings reared in BFT. Although the feeding rate of 100% satiety has led to better performance, it may not be the best option in BFT due to higher feed conversion and reduction of water quality.     

Tilapia–Shrimp Polyculture in Negros Island,Philippines: A Review

Tilapia–shrimp polyculture has played an important role in current efforts to control luminous bacterial disease caused by Vibrio harveyi. At present, green water technology is most extensively used by shrimp farmers in Negros Island in the central Philippines. While the contribution of tilapia as a biomanipulator is highlighted in the literature, the mechanism of action is not well understood. Data were gathered from shrimp ponds practicing two production systems: (a) green water system (probiotics + tilapia) and (b) closed/semiclosed system (probiotics alone). There was no difference between luminous Vibrio count (P < 0.05) in both systems, and water quality was found to be similar (P < 0.05). Because the green water system uses a bigger reservoir to raise the tilapia biomass, the net shrimp production was lower. In terms of direct cost of production, however, the green water system was 10–15% lower than the closed/semiclosed system because of significantly less aeration required. The polyculture maintained a more stable plankton environment during the early months of culture, which increased survival of shrimps. Various pathways are presented for the control of luminous bacterial growth in polyculture ponds: (a) fish feeding on organic wastes and conversion to feces; (b) selective fish foraging to increase the dominance of beneficial phytoplankton; (c) bioturbation of pond sediments; and (d) release in the water column of antimicrobials, fungi, or competing bacteria from the skin and gut mucus of tilapia.     

Effect of dietary protein levels and feeding rates on growth performance, production traits and body composition of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (L.) cultured in concrete tanks

A 28‐week feeding trial was conducted in concrete tanks with Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (L.) with an average initial weight and length of 61.9±6.03 (g fish^?1) and 17.6±0.45 (cm fish^?1), respectively, to examine the effect of two protein levels and three feeding levels (% body weight (BW) day^?1) on growth performance, production traits and body composition. Twelve 4‐m³ concrete tanks (2 × 2 × 1.25 m, long, width and height) were each stocked with 100 fish and fed diets containing either 25% or 30% crude protein at rates of 1%, 2% and 3% BW daily (2 × 3 factorial experiment). The results revealed that there was no significant increase in growth rate with increasing dietary protein levels, whereas there was significant increase in growth rate with increasing feeding levels (P≤0.05). The same trend was also observed for mean BW (g), mean body length (cm), production rate (kg m^?3), specific growth rate (SGR % day^?1), feed conversion ratio (FCR), condition factor (K) and survival rate (%). The best final mean BW (g), final mean body length (cm), SGR (% day^?1), FCR, K, production rate (kg m^?3) and survival rate (%) were recorded in groups of fish fed with 25% dietary protein at the 2% feeding level. Whole fish fat and energy contents were not significantly influenced (P>0.05) by protein levels and feeding levels. Protein and ash contents were significantly (P≤0.05) influenced by feeding level, but not by dietary protein level. Economic evaluation indicated that dietary protein 25% (diet A) at the 2% BW day^?1 feeding level was the most cost‐effective and affordable feed strategy for farmers. We conclude that a 25% protein diet fed at 2% BW day^?1 is recommended for adult Nile tilapia reared in concrete tanks.     

Effect of Bacillus cereus as a water or feed additive on the gut microbiota and immunological parameters of Nile tilapia

We evaluated the effects of Bacillus cereus, as an additive in water and feed, on the gut microbiota and immunological parameters of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings. Experiments were performed in tanks and net cages respectively. Experiment 1: Tilapia were housed in tanks for 42 days, and B. cereus was added to the water at 1.0 × 10⁴ cfu mL^?1 (Treatment 1) and 1.0 ×10⁵ cfu mL^?1 (Treatment 2) weekly. For the control, no probiotic was added. Experiment 2: Tilapia were housed in cages for 42 days, and the feed was supplemented with B. cereus at 1.0 × 10⁷ cfu g^?1 (Treatment 1) and 1.0 × 10⁸ cfu g^?1 (Treatment 2) weekly. For the control, no probiotic was added. Each treatment contained three replicates, with 50 male tilapias per replicate. The fish from the probiotic treatments in both tank and cage experiments had significantly higher serum lysozyme and peroxidase activities than the control. In the cage experiment, alkaline phosphatase and total superoxide dismutase activities in tilapia were significantly higher in probiotic treatments compared with the control. The results of polymerase chain reaction‐denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis showed that B. cereus supplementation in the feed and water affected the autochthonous gut bacteria community of tilapia and stimulated various potentially beneficial bacteria. Therefore, B. cereus, as a water or feed additive, could enhance the immune status and affect the gut microbiota of tilapia. Bacillus cereus was more effective as a feed supplement rather than a water additive for enhancing the immune status of tilapia.     

Optimal conditions for cold-shock induction of triploidy in red tilapia

Production of sterile triploid red tilapia [Oreochromis mossambicus (Mozambique tilapia); Peters, 1852 × Oreochromis niloticus (Nile tilapia); Linnaeus, 1758] is an effective strategy to overcome their prolific breeding. Optimal conditions for cold-shock induction of triploidy in red tilapia were investigated by experimentally examining two variables: appropriate temperature of the shock and duration of shock treatment. A constant time after insemination of 4 min was used to determine the best combination of temperature (6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15 °C) with different durations of shock (10, 20, 30, 40, 50 min) with resultant ploidy level verified karyotypically. Shock duration for 30 min at a temperature of 9 °C was found most effective in producing maximum triploidy (98.7 %) with higher rates of hatching (63.2 %) and survival up to yolk-sac stage (75.8 %). The chromosome count confirmed that triploid percentages were higher when cold shock was used for longer durations at each temperature; however, hatching rates were generally decreased. The maximum triploid yield (82.1 %) obtained was higher than the yield obtained using heat shock (72.7 %) in red tilapia previously. The application of the results of this study has the potential to greatly improve the production of triploid red tilapia in commercial aquaculture.     

Faecal coliforms in pond water, sediments and hybrid tilapia Oreochromis niloticus×Oreochromis aureus in Saudi Arabia

Total bacterial load, total coliforms faecal coliforms in pond water, sediment, intestine of hybrid tilapia Oreochromis niloticus×Oreochromis aureus and pigeon Columba livia faeces were investigated monthly over a period of 1 year from July 1999 to June 2000. Fish were collected randomly by a cast net. Samples were analysed for coliforms using the multiple‐tube fermentation technique. Results showed total viable bacterial counts in the pond water, sediment, intestine of tilapia and pigeon faeces ranging from 1.8±0.9×10² to 6.0±1.2×10⁴ cfu mL^?1, 3.2±1.2×10⁵ to 2.8±1.5×10⁷ cfu g^?1, 8.2±1.6×10⁵ to 9.9±1.5×10⁷ cfu g^?11.0±0.4×10⁷to9.7±0.2×10⁹ cfu g^?1respectively. The most probable number (MPN) of coliforms and faecal coliforms ranged from 287±12 to ≥1600±0 100 mL^?1 in pond water; the MPN ranges for sediment, tilapia intestine and pigeon faeces were 257±29 to ≥1100±0 g^?1, 237±46 to ≥1100±0 g^?1 and 403±98 to ≥1100±0 g^?1 respectively. The abundance of normal bacteria coliforms was greater in the warm months than in the cold months. Ground water was free from any sort of coliform organisms, and there were no sources of human faecal matter in the pond. So, it is clear that faecal coliforms from pigeon faeces significantly contaminated (P<0.05) the ponds and tilapia intestines. Escherichia coli was the only coliform organism found in pond water, sediment, intestine of tilapia and pigeon faeces.