Evaluation of lipid sources in diets fed to bull trout,Salvelinus confluentus

To aid in development of nutritionally complete diets, a 12‐week experiment was conducted to identify appropriate sources of dietary lipid for bull trout. The basal diet was top‐coated with marine fish oil (MFO) (pollock liver oil), canola oil (CO), linseed oil (LO) or a mixture of canola and linseed oils (CLO) to produce four treatments. Each diet was fed to triplicate groups of fish initially averaging 1.6 g per fish. Weight gain, feed efficiency, survival and carcass proximate composition were not significantly different among fish fed the dietary treatments. However, whole‐body fatty acid percentages varied significantly among fish fed the four diets. Whole bodies of fish fed diets with vegetable oil (VO) contained significantly higher 18:2n‐6, 18:3n‐3 and total n‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acid percentages and significantly lower 20:5n‐3, 22:6n‐3 and total saturated fatty acid percentages compared with fish fed the MFO diet. Whole‐body fatty acid percentages also varied among fish fed VO diets. Despite similar 18:2n‐6 and 20:4n‐6 percentages in the VO diets, fish fed diet CO contained significantly lower 18:2n‐6 proportions and significantly higher 20:4n‐6 proportions compared with fish fed other VO diets. Results of this study suggest dietary fish oil is not required for short‐term rearing of bull trout.     

Effects of dietary fish oil replacement with vegetable oils on growth and tissue fatty acid composition of humpback grouper, Cromileptes altivelis (Valenciennes)

The replacement of dietary marine fish oil with vegetable oils was examined in fingerling humpback grouper, Cromileptes altivelis, over the course of an 8‐week growth trial. Five isolipidic (10%) and isoproteic (50%) fish meal‐based practical diets were formulated to contain iso‐ingredients but with different sources of lipids [crude palm oil (CPO), refined, bleached and deodorized, palm olein (RBDPO), soybean oil (SBO) or canola oil (CNO)], and their performance was compared with the control diet, which contained cod liver oil (CLO) as the added lipid source. The experimental diets were fed close to apparent satiation twice a day to triplicate groups of fish (10.6 ± 2.2 g). The grouper fingerlings were randomly distributed into groups of 12 fish in cylindrical cages (61 cm depth and 43 cm diameter) that were placed in a 150 tonne polyethylene seawater tank. There were no significant differences (P>0.05) in terms of growth, survival, feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency ratio, net protein utilization, hepatosomatic index and condition factor among fish fed the various dietary treatments. Similarly, the dietary lipid source did not significantly affect the whole body proximate composition of the fish. Muscle and liver fatty acid composition of fish was influenced by the experimental diets. Replacement of dietary CLO with CPO, RBDPO, SBO or CNO produced fish with lower n‐3 highly unsaturated fatty acids and increased levels of 18:2n‐6 in the muscle and liver. The n‐3:n‐6 fatty acid ratio in the muscle of fish fed the CLO‐based diet was 3.0 compared with 0.5–0.8 in the muscle of fish fed the various vegetable oil‐based diets. The present study demonstrated that various vegetable oils can be used in fish meal‐based dietary formulations for humpback grouper without compromising growth or feed utilization efficiency.     

Evaluation of crude palm oil and refined palm olein as dietary lipids in pelleted feeds for a tropical bagrid catfish Mystus nemurus (Cuvier & Valenciennes)

The effects of different dietary lipids on the growth, feed utilization and tissue fatty acid composition of a tropical bagrid catfish Mystus nemurus (Cuvier & Valenciennes) were investigated. Eight isonitrogenous and isoenergetic semi‐purified diets were fed to triplicate groups of M. nemurus fingerlings for 10 weeks. Diet lipid levels were fixed at 10%, with 1% coming from residual oil in fishmeal and the remainder from cod liver oil (CLO), corn oil (CORN), soybean oil (SBO), crude palm oil (CPO), refined, bleached and deodorized palm olein (RBDPO) or various combinations of these oils. Catfish fed diets supplemented with 9% RBDPO showed significantly (P < 0.05) higher growth rates compared with fish fed the other seven diets. No significant differences in growth performance or feed efficiency ratio were observed between M. nemurus fed 9% CLO, CORN or CPO or fish fed diets containing 4% CLO with either 5% CORN, SBO, CPO or RBDPO. Based upon these results, palm oil‐based diets can be used effectively for M. nemurus without compromising growth or feed utilization efficiency. Muscle and liver fatty acid composition of M. nemurus reflected that of the dietary oils added in pelleted diets fed to the fish. Considering the lower cost and availability of palm oil (compared with imported vegetable oils and fish oils) in many tropical countries, its use in dietary formulations for M. nemurus, and possibly other catfish species, will make these fish feeds less expensive.     

Effects of different dietary lipid sources on growth performance,body composition and lipid metabolism‐related enzymes and genes of juvenile golden pompano,Trachinotus ovatus

Three groups of juvenile golden pompano, Trachinotus ovatus (54.75 ± 0.25 g), were each fed one of three diets containing different lipid sources: fish oil (FO), soybean oil (SO) and lard oil (LO). Fish were reared in sea cages for 8 weeks, and the fish fed the FO diet had significantly higher specific growth rate (SGR) but lower condition factor (CF) than the other treatments. The fatty acid (FA) composition of whole‐body lipids was closely correlated with those in the diets. Although no differences can be found in hepatic fatty acid synthase (fasn) activity, the carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1 (cpt1) activity in fish fed the FO diet was significantly higher compared with other treatments. In addition, the relative gene expression of lipid metabolism‐related enzymes, such as cpt1, fas, apolipoprotein B100 (apoB100), delta‐6 fatty acyl desaturase (fadsd6) and fatty acid‐binding protein 1 (fabp1), was also influenced by the different dietary lipid sources. Serum triglyceride (TG) and glucose content in fish fed the LO and FO diets were significantly higher than those in the SO group. Accordingly, it can be concluded that FO could not be completely replaced by SO or LO in golden pompano diets. The lipid sources of a diet could impose significant influence on body condition factor and hepatic lipid metabolism of golden pompano.     

Effects of Different Dietary Lipid Sources on Growth Performance,Fatty Acid Composition,and Antioxidant Enzyme Activity of Juvenile Rockfish,Sebastes schlegeli

This study was carried out to investigate and compare the effects of various dietary lipid sources on growth performance, body composition, fatty acid profiles, and hepatic and plasma antioxidant enzyme activities of juvenile rockfish, Sebastes schlegeli. Three replicate groups of fish (initial mean weight, 1.7 ± 0.04 g) were fed four isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets containing either fish oil (FO), soybean oil (SO), linseed oil (LO), or a mixture of SO and LO (SO + LO) for 8 wk. There were no significant differences in survival, weight gain, feed efficiency, and protein efficiency ratios of fish fed the diets containing different lipid sources (P > 0.05). The fatty acids compositions of the liver and muscle tissues reflected the dietary fatty acid compositions. Liver and muscle of fish fed the SO diet had high concentration of linoleic acid, whereas those of fish fed the LO diet were rich in linolenic acid. Liver and muscle of fish fed the FO diet had significantly (P < 0.05) higher levels of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid than those of fish fed the SO and LO diets. Dietary lipid source had no significant effect on the hepatic and plasma enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. The results of this study suggest that SO and LO can be used as a replacement for FO in the diets of juvenile rockfish without incurring any negative effects on growth, feed utilization, and antioxidant enzyme activity, when the dietary essential fatty acid requirements are satisfied for rockfish.     

Influence of Dietary Oil Sources on Muscle Composition and Plasma Lipoprotein Concentrations in Nile Tilapia,Oreochromis niloticus

To investigate the impact of different dietary lipid sources on fillet composition and lipid transport, we conducted a feeding trial and evaluated the proximate composition of muscle tissue, fatty acid profiles, total cholesterol (in muscle and plasma), triglycerides, and lipoprotein concentrations in Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. Five semi‐purified diets, containing different oils (soybean – SO, corn – CO, linseed – LO, fish – FO, and olive – OO), were supplied to tilapia for 160 d. Fish fed with LO and FO diets had a lower percentage of total lipids in muscle compared with the others (P < 0.05). The highest percentage of protein was found in fish fed with FO diet (P < 0.05). The muscle fatty acid profile was influenced differently by diets (P < 0.05). The group supplemented with SO and CO had a higher concentration of 18:2n‐6, whereas the fish fed with LO diet had a higher level of 18:3n‐3 and those that received the FO diet had more 22:6n‐3 in comparison with those supplemented with vegetable oils. Plasma lipid transport was also affected by the diets: the fish fed with FO diet had higher total cholesterol and high‐density lipoprotein and lower very‐low‐density lipoprotein concentrations (P < 0.05).     

Dietary lipid and palm oil source affects growth,fatty acid composition and muscle α-tocopherol concentration of African catfish,Clarias gariepinus

The effects of various dietary lipids on the growth performance and muscle fatty acid and α-tocopherol concentrations of African catfish were examined. Seven isonitrogenous and isoenergetic semipurified diets were formulated with 10% lipid coming from either cod-liver oil (CLO), sunflower oil (SFO), refined, bleached, deodorized palm olein (RBDPO), crude palm oil (CPO), crude palm kernel oil (CPKO), or combinations of 5% CLO with either 5% of palm fatty acid distillates (PFAD) or 5% of residual oil in spent bleaching clay (SBC), respectively. Catfish fed with the CLO diet showed significantly (P<0.05) lower growth and feed utilization efficiency compared to fish fed with the other six diets after 7 weeks. The growth response among catfish fed with the other diets was not significantly different. Blending CLO with either PFAD or SBC alleviated the growth reduction observed in fish fed with diets having CLO as the sole lipid source. Dietary lipid source did not affect the whole-body composition or muscle lipid level among catfish fed with the various diets. The fatty acid and α-tocopherol concentration of muscle lipids in African catfish generally reflected the fatty acid profile and α-tocopherol concentration of the dietary oil that was fed. It was concluded that products from the palm oil industry could be successfully used in the diets for African catfish, and possibly other tropical catfish species, without negatively affecting growth and feed utilization efficiency. The availability, lower cost, low polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) content and high vitamin E concentration of palm oil make it the vegetable oil of choice for the formulation of fish feeds in tropical countries.     

Effects of different dietary lipid sources in the diet for Pangasius nasutus (Bleeker, 1863) juveniles on growth performance,feed efficiency,body indices and muscle and liver fatty acid compositions

Four isonitrogenous (300 g kg^?1 crude protein), isoenergetic (21 kJ g^?1) experimental diets were formulated to contain fish oil (FO), soybean oil (SBO), crude palm oil (CPO) and linseed oil (LO), respectively, as the lipid sources, added at 120 g kg^?1 of crude lipid each. The diets were fed by hand to triplicate groups of Pangasius nasutus (Bleeker, 1863) juveniles (mean weight 10.66 ± 0.04 g), to apparent satiation twice daily for 12 weeks. Fish survival rate was 100% among all the treatments. Growth performance (DGR) was similar among fish fed the SBO, CPO and LO diets, but was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the CPO compared to fish fed the control (FO) diet. Fish fed SBO and CPO diets also recorded significantly (P < 0.05) higher intraperitoneal fat compared to fish fed the control, whereas fish fed the LO diet did not significantly differ from the other treatments. Muscle and liver fatty acid profile of fish from all the treatments generally mirrored the composition of the diets fed and the major fatty acids recorded were 18:3n‐3 and 18:2n‐6 in the tissues of fish fed the LO and SBO treatments, respectively. Results of this study suggests that P. nasutus fed diets containing vegetable oils (especially CPO and SBO) produce better growth performance, without compromising fish survival and feed efficiency compared with those fed a diet containing only FO.     

Aurantiochytrium sp. meal as DHA source in Nile tilapia diet,part II: Body fatty acid retention and muscle fatty acid profile

Nile tilapia juveniles (8.35 ± 0.80 g) were fed on four levels (0.0%; 0.5%; 1.0%; 2.0%, 4.0%) of Aurantiochytrium sp. meal (ALL‐G‐RICH?), a source of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The 1% Aurantiochytrium sp. meal diet was compared to a control diet, which contained the same amount of DHA as cod liver oil (CLO) at 1.7% diet. Groups of 25 fish were stocked in 100 L tanks and fed twice daily until apparent satiation, for 57 days, at 28°C. Increasing dietary Aurantiochytrium sp. meal reduced the body retention of DHA and n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n‐3 PUFA) but increased the body retention of alpha‐linolenic (α‐LNA), linoleic (LOA) and n‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n‐6 PUFA). Fatty acid profile in tilapia muscle was affected by increasing dietary inclusions of Aurantiochytrium sp. meal, with an increase in DHA, α‐LNA, n‐3 PUFA and n‐3 long chain‐polyunsaturated fatty acids (n‐3 LC‐PUFA) but a decrease in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), n‐6 PUFA and n‐6 long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n‐6 LC‐PUFA). There was a larger body retention of DHA, α‐LNA, LOA, n‐3 PUFA and n‐6 PUFA fatty acids and a higher percentage of DHA, n‐3 PUFA and n‐3 LC‐PUFA in muscle fatty acid profile in fish fed on CLO diets than in those fed on 1% Aurantiochytrium sp. Therefore, Aurantiochytrium sp. meal is an alternative source of DHA for Nile tilapia diets.     

Dietary lipid sources for seabream and seabass: growth performance, tissue composition and flesh quality

Due to its traditionally good availability, digestibility and high content of n ? 3 HUFA, fish oil is the main lipid source in fish feeds. However, world demand for this product has grown significantly in recent years, whereas its production, based on fisheries landings, is static. The purpose of the present study was to assess the effect of partial replacement of fish oil in compound diets for gilthead seabream and seabass, by several vegetable oil sources, on growth, dietary fatty acid utilization and flesh quality. Five iso‐energetic and isoproteic experimental diets were formulated (25% lipid content). Fish oil was the only added lipid source in the control (FO) diet, and it was included in the other experimental diets at a level high enough (40% of FO diet) to keep the n ? 3 HUFA levels well over 3% in order to cover the essential fatty acid requirements of these species. Fish oil was replaced by soyabean oil (SO), rapeseed oil (RO) and linseed oil (LO) or a mixture (Mix) of them. Feed intake in all dietary groups was in the range of results obtained for commercial diets in both species, and growth and feed utilization were very good. The results show that, providing a minimum content of essential fatty acids in the diet, it is possible to replace up to 60% of the fish oil by SO, LO and RO or a mixture of them in diets for seabream and seabass, without compromising fish growth. Fatty acid composition of liver and muscle reflected that of the diet, but utilization of dietary lipids differed between these two tissues and was also different for the different fatty acids. Despite reduction in dietary saturated fatty acids by the inclusion of vegetable oils, their levels in fish liver were as high as in fish fed the fish oil diet, whereas, in muscle, levels were reduced according to that in the diet. Linoleic and linolenic acids were accumulated in the liver proportionally to their levels in the diet, suggesting a lower oxidation of these fatty acids in comparison to other 18C fatty acids. Regarding eicosapentaenoic acid (20 : 5n ? 3; EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (22 : 6n ? 3; DHA) and arachidonic acid (20 : 4n ? 6; ARA), these essential fatty acids were reduced in the liver at a similar rate, whereas DHA was preferentially retained in the muscle in comparison with the other fatty acids, denoting a higher oxidation particularly of EPA, in the muscle. Some other PUFA increased despite their low dietary levels in seabream fed LO diets and in seabass fed SO diet, suggesting the stimulation of delta‐6 and delta‐5 desaturase activity in marine fish. Despite differences in fatty acid composition, fillet of fish fed vegetable oils was very well accepted by trained judges when assessed cooked.     

Increasing Fish Oil Levels in Commercial Diets Influences Hematological and Immunological Responses of Channel Catfish,Ictalurus punctatus

Growth performance, immune responses and disease resistance were studied in juvenile channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, fed a commercial diet (35.3% crude protein and 5.6% lipid) supplemented with menhaden fish oil at levels of 0, 3, 6, and 9% for 15 wk. Dietary fish oil levels did not significantly influence growth performance of catfish. Fatty acid compositions of whole‐body and liver reflected dietary fatty acid composition. No differences were found in hematological values, except that fish fed the 9% fish oil diet had significantly lower hematocrit. The resistance of erythrocytes to hemolysis in hypotonic solutions increased with increasing fish oil levels and the highest resistance was seen with the 9% fish oil diet. Fish fed 6 and 9% added fish oil diets had significantly higher serum protein levels than that of control fish. Serum lysozyme activity of fish fed 3 and 6% added fish oil diet was significantly higher than that of the control. Complement activity and chemotaxis ratio significantly decreased in fish fed diets with 6 or 9% added fish oil. The 3% added fish oil diet, however, had significantly highest natural hemolytic complement activity. Mortality from Edwardsiella ictaluri 14 d postchallenge and antibody titers to E. ictaluri did not differ among treatments.     

Effects of different dietary lipid sources in the diet for Pangasius hypophthalmus (Sauvage, 1878) juvenile on growth performance,nutrient utilization,body indices and muscle and liver fatty acid composition

Four isonitrogenous (300 g kg^?1 crude protein), isoenergetic (21 kJ g^?1) experimental diets were formulated to contain fish oil (FO), soybean oil (SBO), crude palm oil (CPO) and linseed oil (LO), respectively, as lipid sources each at inclusion level of 120 g kg^?1 and fed to triplicate groups of 15 juvenile iridescent shark, Pangasius hypophthalmus (Sauvage, 1878) (mean weight 10.00 ± 0.70 g) to apparent satiation twice daily for 12 weeks. The results showed that survival of fish was consistently over 95% for all treatments whereas growth performance in the SBO and CPO treatments was similar and significantly (P < 0.05) higher than for fish fed the LO diet. However, fish fed all vegetable oil‐based diets performed better than those fed the FO diet. Muscle and liver fatty acid composition for all treatments generally reflected the composition in the diet and the ratio of n‐3/n‐6 was found to play an important role in P. hypophthalmus, suggesting that excessive amounts of n‐3 fatty acids reduce the overall growth performance. Results of this study thus suggests that P. hypophthalmus fed diets containing vegetable oils (especially CPO and SBO) produce better growth than those fed FO diet without showing any signs of nutrient deficiency.     

The influence of a dietary lipid source on growth, muscle fatty acid composition and erythrocyte osmotic fragility of hybrid tilapia

An 8-week feeding trial was conducted to determine the effects of various dietary lipids on the growth, tissue proximate composition, muscle fatty acid composition and erythrocyte osmotic fragility of red hybrid tilapia, Oreochromis sp. Five isonitrogenous and isoenergetic semipurified diets were supplemented with 10% of either cod liver oil (CLO), sunflower oil (SFO), crude palm oil (CPO), crude palm kernel oil (CPKO), or a combination of 5% CLO with 5% palm fatty acid distillates (PFAD), respectively. There were no significant effects (P > 0.05) of diet on growth but fish fed the CLO diet showed a significantly (P< 0.05) poorer feed efficiency ratio compared to fish fed the CPO diet. Lipid deposition in fish muscle was mostly similar among fish fed the various diets but bone ash was significantly higher in fish fed the CPO and CPKO diets. Muscle lipids of fish fed palm oil-based diets did not increase in saturated fatty acids content but showed significantly lower polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) concentrations compared to fish fed the CLO diet. The concentrations of individual PUFA in muscle lipids were strongly influenced by dietary PUFA concentrations. Dietary lipids did not markedly affect the structural integrity of erythrocyte membranes but the erythrocytes of tilapia fed the CPO diet were slightly more resistant to osmotic lysis. It was concluded that palm oil products, especially CPO, could be successfully used in the diet of hybrid tilapia based on its availability, cheaper costs and its potential ability to enhance oxidative stability due to its low PUFA content and high natural concentrations of antioxidants.     

Effects of α‐lipoic acid on growth performance,body composition,antioxidant profile and lipid metabolism of the GIFT tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fed high‐fat diets

The wide use of lipid as a non‐protein energy substitute has led to lipid metabolic problems in cultured tilapia. Therefore, studies that reduce the effects of high‐fat diets in genetically improved farmed tilapia (GIFT) are required. This study evaluated the optimum level and effects of dietary α‐lipoic acid (α‐LA) on growth performance, body composition, antioxidant capacity and lipid metabolism of GIFT tilapia. The basal diet (120 g/kg lipid) was supplemented with six concentrations of α‐LA at 0 (control), L300, L600, L900, L1200 and L2400 mg/kg diet to make the experimental diets, which were fed to GIFT tilapia juveniles (initial body weight: 0.48 ± 0.01 g) for 8 weeks. The weight gain of fish improved significantly in the L300 than other dietary treatments. The intraperitoneal fat index and lipid content of fish fed on the L2400 diet decreased significantly than those fed on the control diet. The activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) in serum and liver were significantly higher in fish fed on the L300 diet than the control. The reduced GSH content of fish fed on the L300 in serum and liver was significantly higher than those fed on control diet. The malondialdehyde content in serum and liver was significantly lower in L300 than in the control. The adipose triglyceride lipase gene was significantly up‐regulated in fish fed on the L2400, but the diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2 gene was down‐regulated in adipose. The liver‐type fatty acid‐binding protein gene in the liver was significantly up‐regulated in fish fed on the L300 and L600 diets. Moreover, the acyl‐coenzyme A oxidase gene in liver was significantly up‐regulated in fish fed on the L300, L600, L900 and L1200 diets. Polynomial regression analysis indicated that 439–528 mg/kg α‐LA is an appropriate dosage in high‐fat diet to improve growth performance and relieve lipid oxidative damage by accelerating lipid catabolism and reducing lipid synthesis in GIFT tilapia.     

A combination of plant oils promotes adequate growth of the freshwater catfish Rhamdia quelen (Quoy & Gaimard 1824)

Essential fatty acids should be included in the diet to ensure adequate fish growth. Despite the great number of studies on fatty acid nutrition of fish, there are still several unknowns. The aim of the present study was to investigate fatty acid nutrition of jundiá, a Latin American freshwater catfish. Four diets were formulated containing (i) coconut oil (?C, negative control), (ii) coconut oil + high‐docosahexaenoic‐acid‐fish oil (+C, positive control) and coconut + sunflower + linseed oils at different ratios, producing either (iii) a diet rich in linoleic acid (LA) (HighLA) or 4) a diet low in LA (LowLA). All diets contained significant amounts of saturated fatty acids (at least 57.5% total fatty acids in HighLA) and monounsaturated fatty acids (at least 19.1% total fatty acids in ?C). Diets were fed to jundiá fingerlings (1.5 g) for 70 days; growth, body composition and liver histology were evaluated. The ?C diet, without essential fatty acids, promoted significantly lower fish growth, body fat accumulation and hepatic lipidosis. Fish fed HighLA and LowLA diets presented similar growth as fish fed +C diet. These findings suggest that diet formulations for jundiá catfish fingerlings can include only plant oils without negative effect on growth, survival, body composition, fish health or parameters of feed utilization (ingestion rate and protein utilization).     

Effects of different dietary lipid sources on growth performance,antioxidant enzyme activities and biochemical composition of juvenile swimming crab,Portunus trituberculatus

An 8‐week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary lipid sources on growth performance, antioxidant enzyme activities and biochemical composition of juvenile swimming crab Portunus trituberculatus of initial weight 2.34 ± 0.08 g. Four different diets were formulated to contain fish oil (FO), soybean oil (SO), linseed oil (LO) or palm oil (PO). The highest final body weight, weight gain, specific growth rate and molting frequency were observed in crabs fed the FO diet. Crabs fed the SO diet showed higher glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities in both serum and hepatopancreas than those fed the FO diet. The lowest malondialdehyde concentration in hepatopancreas and serum were occurred at crabs fed the SO diet. Crabs fed the LO diet had significantly higher SOD and CAT activities in hepatopancreas compared with those fed the FO diet. Crabs fed the PO diet had the highest activities of fatty acid synthase and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 activities in hepatopancreas among all treatments. Fatty acid compositions both in hepatopancreas and muscle reflected those of diets. Overall, these findings demonstrated that physiological–biochemical characteristics and lipid metabolism were significantly regulated by different dietary lipid sources. Moreover, dietary SO and LO supplementation could improve antioxidant ability.     

A study of the arachidonic acid requirements of the giant tiger prawn, Penaues monodon

This study examined the dietary requirement of arachidonic acid (ARA) when that of linoleic acid (LOA), the natural precursor to ARA, was also satisfied with linolenic acid (LNA) and also with and without the other key dietary highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA). Growth by prawns fed diets supplemented with ARA was poorer than in diets where it was not present. Supplementation of ARA to diets with either optimized HUFA or just optimised poly unsaurated fatty acids (PUFA) (i.e. LOA, LNA) resulted in poorer growth. Growth was poorest by prawns (215 ± 13%) fed diets with ARA supplemented at 20% of the total fatty acids but including 7% LOA, 21% LNA and 4% of both eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Growth was best in prawns fed diets devoid of ARA but with 7% LOA and 21% LNA (350 ± 19%). Prawns fed the reference diet (348 ± 21%) and the other diet devoid of ARA but containing about 7% LOA, 21% LNA and 4% of both EPA and DHA (345 ± 18%) had similar growth. The growth responses were not effects of altered lipid or fatty acid digestibilities. Indeed supplementation of ARA to the diet marginally improved the digestibility of the total neutral lipid in the diet and the digestibilities of some other dietary fatty acids. The amount of lipid in the digestive glands of prawns fed with the diets was reduced by the inclusion of ARA in the dietary lipids. Composition of the lipids in the digestive gland (DG) of the prawns was almost directly related to the composition of their dietary lipids. The proportion of ARA in the total fatty acids increased with level of supplementation of dietary ARA. An increased level of dietary ARA reduced the proportion of EPA, DHA in the DG lipid and also the total n‐3 and n‐6 fatty acids in the DG lipid. The results of this study support that addition of ARA to the diet of Penaues monodon when the other key essential fatty acids (EFA) have been optimized, does not improve their growth performance. It is suggested that key cause for this response may lie in the importance of the balance of the n‐3 to n‐6 fatty acids in the diet of these animals.     

Influence of dietary lipid sources on growth,reproductive performance and fatty acid compositions of muscle and egg in three‐spot gourami (Trichopodus trichopterus) (Pallas, 1770)

Five isonitrogenous (420 g kg^?1 crude protein) and isoenergetic (16.3 kJ g^?1) practical diets were formulated to contain fish oil (FO), Kilka fish oil (KFO), linseed (LO), canola (CO) and soybean (SBO) oils fed to juveniles of three‐spot gourami (Trichopodus trichopterus) (initial weight 1 ± 0.03 g) three times per day to apparent satiation for 14 weeks. Results showed the mean final weight of brooders was not significantly affected by dietary oil sources. Specific growth rate for fish fed in SBO and CO diets was statistically higher than for fish fed diet LO. Fish fed diets CO and KFO showed in significantly higher GSI value compared with other diets. Absolute fecundity was greatest in fish fed diets KFO and CO, which significantly differ with other treatments. Except for KFO diet, high fertilization percentages (87.3–93.45%) were observed in other treatments. Fatty acid composition of muscle and egg was found to be positively correlated with their respective dietary lipid sources. High levels of EPA, DHA and n‐3 HUFA in brooders fed diet FO negatively affect egg quality parameters. Therefore, the results demonstrated that vegetable oil‐based diets (CO, SBO and LO, respectively) can positively affect on growth performance of juveniles compared with fish oil‐based diets. Furthermore, CO and LO diets, respectively, showed positive effects on reproductive performance in T. trichopterus compared with fish oil diets during experimental period under controlled conditions.     

Effect of Replacing Menhaden Oil with Catfish Oil on the Fatty Acid Composition of Juvenile Channel Catfish, Ictalurus punctatus

The effect of using a finishing diet containing menhaden fish oil on the fatty acid composition of fingerling channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, was evaluated in a 12‐wk growth trial. Three isocaloric, isonitrogenous practical diets with three different sources of lipids (menhaden oil [MO], catfish oil [CO], or beef tallow [BT]) were formulated (35% crude protein). No differences in eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, or arachidonic acid were observed to occur in catfish fed MO or CO diets; however, these fatty acids were significantly lower in fish fed BT diet. No differences were observed for unsaturated fatty acid content in channel catfish fed a diet containing MO for 8 or 12 wk. In addition, no differences in production characteristics were observed to occur when catfish were fed diets containing CO, MO, or BT as the dietary lipid source, which indicates that BT, CO, and MO are equally effective as sources of energy. It is apparent from these results that CO may be successfully substituted for MO in formulated diets without adversely affecting n‐3 highly unsaturated fatty acid content in channel catfish.     

Schizochytrium as a replacement for fish oil in a fishmeal free diet for jade perch,Scortum barcoo (McCulloch & Waite)

A 10‐week trial was conducted to determine the response of juvenile jade perch Scortum barcoo on the replacement of dietary fish oil (FO) in a fishmeal free diet. Three iso‐nitrogenous, isocaloric and isolipidic diets were formulated, each containing a different primary fat source: FO, linseed oil (LO), and a mixture of Schizochytrium and LO. The substitution of FO with the mixture of Schizochytrium and LO did not cause a difference in growth. However, there was an 8% reduction in weight gain in fish fed dietary LO, indicating that juvenile jade perch do require a minimal concentration of dietary n‐3 highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA). Fish fed the Schizochytrium diet stored more efficient n‐3 HUFA and in particular DHA in their flesh, and retained a higher fillet recovery compared to fish fed FO. In addition, we demonstrated that jade perch are able to produce both n‐3 HUFA and n‐6 HUFA when dietary PUFA are present. Fish fed the LO diet for 10 weeks contained the lowest amount of n‐3 HUFA in fillets among dietary treatment groups. However, feeding these fish the Schizochytrium diet for an additional 4 weeks increased the n‐3 HUFA content towards the same concentration of n‐3 HUFA found in the flesh of fish fed FO, without affecting the sensory properties of the fillets. In contrary, feeding the Schizochytrium diet for a continuous period of 14 weeks lowered overall sensory property scores.