Quantitative dietary copper requirement of juvenile Siberian sturgeon,Acipenser baerii,and effects on muscle composition and some enzymatic activities

An 8‐week feeding trial was conducted to quantify dietary copper (Cu) requirement of juvenile Siberian sturgeon, Acipenser baerii. Five isonitrogenous diets were formulated to provide actual dietary copper values of 1.8, 5.7, 10.1, 15.9 and 28.3 mg Cu per kg diet. Experimental diets were fed to the Siberian sturgeon (27.57 ± 0.24 g) in triplicate to apparent satiation for 8 weeks. At the end of experiment, weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) were significantly increased with increasing dietary Cu level up to 10.1 mg/kg and then decreased with further increases in dietary Cu level (p < .05). The Cu concentration in the liver and cartilage was positively correlated with the respective concentrations in the diet (p < .05), while muscle and serum Cu concentrations remained significantly unchanged (p > .05). Superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase had the highest activities in serum of fish fed with 15.9 and 28.3 mg Cu per kg diet, respectively. Analysis by the broken‐line regression of SGR, crude protein content and superoxide activity demonstrated that the optimum dietary Cu requirements in juvenile Siberian sturgeon were 9.51, 9.58 and 16.10 mg/kg diet, respectively.     

Dietary copper requirement of fingerling Heteropneustes fossilis for formulating copper‐balanced commercial feeds

Dietary copper requirement of Heteropneustes fossilis (6.74 ± 0.03 g) was determined by feeding purified diets containing same protein (400 g/kg) and gross energy (17.89 kJ/g) but different levels of copper for 12 weeks. Graded amount of CuSO₄.5H₂O (0, 1.96, 3.93, 5.89, 7.86, 9.82, 11.79 mg/kg) was supplemented to basal diet to attain desired dietary copper levels (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0 mg/kg). Analysed dietary copper concentrations were 4.28, 4.63, 5.28, 5.70, 6.19 and 6.69 mg/kg. Absolute weight gain, feed conversion ratio and protein gain improved with the increasing levels of dietary copper up to 5.28 mg/kg. Further inclusion of copper at a level of 5.70 mg/kg did not improve the above parameters. Significantly higher (p < .05) plasma ceruloplasmin, liver copper‐zinc superoxide dismutase, catalase activities and lower thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were evident in fish receiving diets with 5.28 and 5.70 mg/kg copper compared to other groups. Whole body and liver copper concentrations increased significantly (p < .05) with increasing dietary copper levels. Quadratic regression analysis of absolute weight gain, feed conversion ratio, protein gain and broken‐line regression analysis of plasma ceruloplasmin activity and liver TBARS value against the variable dietary copper levels depicted the dietary copper requirements for fingerling H. fossilis in the range of 5.24–5.68 mg/kg.     

Influence of circulating GH levels on GH-binding capacity measurements in the hepatic membrane of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss): importance of normalization of results

In fish, regulation of the growth hormone (GH) receptor has been mainly analyzed by binding studies, with some discrepancies in the results. The present work aims at determining whether circulating GH levels influence the measurement of hepatic GH-binding capacities. To do this, the effectiveness of the dissociation of the GH/GH receptor (GHR) complex by an MgCl₂ treatment was assessed in rainbow trout, and data on GH-binding capacities under various physiological conditions were studied using different means of expression. Our results reveal that MgCl₂ treatment dissociated the liver GH/GHR complex formed under in vitro conditions (85 ± 23 vs. 361 ± 16 fmol/g of liver; p<0.001) but not in vivo, showing such treatment in trout is not applicable. A comparison of fasted (3 weeks) and fed fish revealed that GH-binding capacities, expressed as femtomoles per milligram protein or femtomoles per gram of liver, were similar in both fed and fasted fish. However, when changes in liver and body size were taken into account, the total GH-binding capacities were lower in the fasted fish (0.026 ± 0.006 vs. 0.062 ± 0.009 fmol/cm³ liver; p<0.05). One day after hypophysectomy or GH injection, changes in the plasma GH levels increased or decreased GH-binding capacities, respectively. Five days later, GH-binding capacities increased in GH-injected fish (527 ± 38 vs. 399 ± 38 fmol/g liver; p<0.01). Our interpretation is that acute treatment modified GH-binding capacities through receptor occupancy and that GH stimulated the synthesis of its own receptor. On the other hand, long-term treatment through successive injections of GH lowered the total binding capacities (approx. 40%), which could result from receptor occupancy. We conclude that circulating GH levels strongly influence the measurement of GH-binding capacities in the liver, thereby limiting interpretation of the binding data and preventing accurate conclusions to be drawn on GHR regulation.     

Blood vessel melanosis: a physiological detoxification mechanism in Atlantic cod (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Gadus morhua</Emphasis>)

Melanin deposits in white muscle represent a potentially serious quality problem for farmed cod. Black lines of deposited melanin are associated with blood vessels and consist of layers of melanin-filled cells. Despite numerous anecdotal reports of melanosis in farmed cod no detailed investigations into the underlying mechanisms have been undertaken. In this study we have confirmed that melanosis is present in both farmed and wild cod. However, the incidence of melanosis in wild fish is much lower than that in farmed fish. In addition, we have demonstrated that tyrosinase, a copper-dependent metalloenzyme that is the primary enzyme of melanin synthesis, is present in cod tissues. Copper levels are significantly different in the white muscle of farmed (0.5 ± 0.03 mg/kg wet weight) and wild (0.34 ± 0.01 mg/kg wet weight) cod (P < 0.05) and in the blood vessels of farmed (2.23 ± 0.37 mg/kg wet weight) and wild (0.32 ± 0.02 mg/kg wet weight) cod (P < 0.05). Similarly, differences in the levels of tyrosinase activity were observed in both muscle and blood vessels. Melanised tissues contain higher copper concentrations than tissue containing little or no melanin. Furthermore, we have shown that the addition of copper to protein extracts from fish muscle causes an increase in tyrosinase activity in vitro. Our results suggest that overabundance of copper in commercial feeds leads to increased melanin synthesis via increased tyrosinase activity. We propose that melanin is deposited at sites of high copper exposure and subsequently sequesters copper as a means of reducing the overload stress on other homeostatic mechanisms.     

Effects of Dietary Geniposide on Growth,Flesh Quality,and Lipid Metabolism of Grass Carp,Ctenopharyngodon idella

The aim of this study was to investigate effects of dietary geniposide (GP) on growth performance, flesh quality, and lipid metabolism of grass carp, Ctenopharyngodon idella (95.2 ± 0.6 g), fed seven different diets, including a control diet; Eucommia ulmoides (EU)–supplemented diet (20 g/kg); and GP‐supplemented diets containing 100, 200, 400, 600, and 800 mg/kg GP, respectively. Weight gain rate was significantly improved (P < 0.05) and feed conversation ratio was significantly decreased (P < 0.05) by supplementation of EU. Grass carp fed 100–800 mg/kg GP‐supplemented diets showed significantly higher total collagen and alkaline‐insoluble collagen content in muscle than control (P < 0.05). Contents of total collagen and the alkaline‐insoluble collagen content in the skin of grass carp were significantly increased by dietary 600–800 mg/kg GP and EU (P < 0.05). Fish fed diets containing 600–800 mg/kg GP showed significantly lower muscle crude lipid content than the EU, control, and 100–400 mg/kg GP groups (P < 0.05). Fish fed 400–800 mg/kg GP diets had significantly higher muscle fiber density and lower muscle fiber diameter and serum triglyceride level than the control (P < 0.05). In conclusion, supplementation of GP could improve flesh quality, but not growth of grass carp. The supplemental level of GP for improving flesh quality was estimated to be a 400–600 mg/kg diet.     

Effects of dietary chlorogenic acid on growth,flesh quality and serum biochemical indices of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)

The study was to investigate effects of dietary chlorogenic acid (CGA) on growth performance, flesh quality and serum biochemical indices of grass carp (95.1 ± 0.3 g) (Ctenopharyngodon idella) fed seven different diets, including control diet, Eucommia ulmoides (EU)‐supplemented diet (20 g kg^–1) and CGA‐supplemented diets containing 100, 200, 400, 600 and 800 mg/kg CGA. Contents of collagen and alkaline‐insoluble collagen in muscle and skin were significantly increased by dietary CGA and EU (p < .05). Total essential amino acids (TEAA) and total amino acids (TAA) in muscle of grass carp fed EU diet or 400, 600 and 800 mg/kg CGA diet were significantly higher than those of fish fed control diet and 100 and 200 mg/kg CGA diet (p < .05). Fish fed 200–800 mg/kg CGA showed significantly lower muscle crude lipid content than EU, control and 100 mg/kg CGA groups (p < .05). Fish fed CGA‐supplemented diets (100–800 mg/kg) had significantly higher muscle fibre density and lower muscle fibre diameter than control group (p < .05). In conclusion, supplementation of CGA improved flesh quality of grass carp, and supplemental level of CGA for improving flesh quality and growth was estimated to be 400 mg/kg diet.     

Dietary choline requirement of juvenile olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus)

An eight‐week study was conducted to determine the optimum dietary choline level in juvenile olive flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus. Seven diets were prepared to contain 0, 250, 500, 750, 1,000, 2,000 and 3,000 mg/kg diet. Juveniles (5.9 ± 0.03 g; 5.5 ± 0.4 cm; mean ± SD) were randomly distributed into 21 tanks (25 fish/tank) and fed one of the diets in triplicates. Survival rate of fish fed the diet containing the lowest choline level was significantly lower than those of fish fed the other diets (p < 0.05). Final body weight, weight gain, specific growth rate, feed efficiency and protein efficiency ratio significantly increased with increasing choline levels up to 1,000 mg/kg diet. Whole‐body protein and lipid contents increased in accordance with choline levels up to 750 mg/kg diet, beyond which they plateaued. Liver and muscle lipid contents elevated with increasing choline levels up to 2,000 mg/kg diet. Plasma cholesterol esters, triglycerides, cholesterol and total lipids were significantly influenced by the graded choline levels; however, responses of those indices were not identical. Broken‐line analyses of weight gain and liver choline concentrations responding to the graded choline levels revealed that choline requirements of the juvenile flounder could be between 847 and 1,047 mg/kg diet.     

Fouling and predation; how do they affect growth and survival of the blacklip pearl oyster, Pinctada margaritifera, during nursery culture?

This paper reports on 5 experiments conducted to assess the effect of cleaning regime and predation on growth and survival of blacklip pearl oyster (Pinctada margaritifera) juveniles in north Queensland, Australia. P. margaritifera juveniles with a mean (±SE) dorso-ventral shell height (DVH) of 4.5 ± 0.1 mm were placed into plastic mesh trays and cleaned either every 4 or 8 weeks or left uncleaned for 16 weeks. Cleaning regime had a significant effect on growth and survival (P < 0.005). Lowest DVH (16.2 ± 1.0) was shown by oysters in uncleaned trays during 16 weeks compared to oysters in cleaned trays; however, there was no significant difference in DVH between oysters held in trays cleaned every 4 (19.4 ± 1.2) or 8 weeks (21.2 ± 0.8). In contrast lowest survival was shown by oysters held in trays that were cleaned every 4 weeks (30 ± 5%), but no differences were noted between oysters cleaned every 8 weeks (63 ± 4%) and oysters that were left uncleaned for 16 weeks (75 ± 8%). Predators of P. margaritifera in northern Australia included crabs, stomatopods, flatworms, gastropods and fish. The stomatopod, Gonodactylus falcatus, was the most destructive predator with individuals consuming in excess of 20 juvenile pearl oysters per week. The leather jacket, Paramonocanthus japonicus, did not kill pearl oysters, but trimmed the margin of oysters shells significantly reducing DVH when compared to control groups cultured without fish. Removing predators monthly had a significant effect on growth of pearl oysters compared to oysters in non-inspected trays; however monthly inspection of culture trays did not significantly improve oyster survival. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Dietary myo‐inositol requirements of juvenile hybrid sturgeon (Acipenser baerii ♀ × A. schrenckii ♂)

This study was conducted to determine the optimal dietary myo‐inositol (MI) requirement of juvenile hybrid sturgeon (Acipenser baerii ♀ × A. schrenckii ♂). Fish with an initial average body weight of 28.28 ± 0.41 g were randomly divided into six groups with three repetitions in each group and fed the experimental diets with different graded MI concentrations (70.2, 130.0, 270.2, 443.0, 1,096.6 and 1997.3 mg/kg) three times per day for 12 weeks. The results showed that with the increase in dietary MI level from 70.2 mg/kg to 443.0 mg/kg, weight gain (WG) was increased significantly (p < .05); however, when the MI level was further increased, there was no significant difference in weight gain rate (WG) over time (p > .05). Specific growth rate (SGR) showed a similar trend. The feed conversion ratio (FCR), survival rate (SR), hepatosomatic index (HSI), viscerasomatic index (VSI) and condition factor (CF) were not affected by dietary MI supplementation (p > .05). Dietary MI did not affect whole‐body and muscle crude protein and ash content (p > .05), while dietary MI significantly affected the muscle and whole‐body crude lipid and moisture content (p < .05). Moreover, serum triglyceride (TG), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were decreased by increasing dietary MI levels. Total antioxidant capacity (T‐AOC), malonic dialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities in the liver were also affected by the dietary MI (p < .05). In summary, this study indicated that the optimal dietary MI requirement for juvenile hybrid sturgeon (Acipenser baerii ♀ × A. schrenckii ♂) was 335.84 mg/kg and 590.65 mg/kg based on the maximum WG and liver MI accumulation indices respectively.     

Influences of dietary antimicrobial peptide APSH‐07 on the growth performance,immune response and vibriosis resistance of abalone Haliotis discus hannai Ino

A 115‐day feeding trial and subsequently a 10‐day challenge test with Vibrio parahaemolyticus were conducted to investigate the effects of dietary antimicrobial peptide APSH‐07 on growth performance, immune response, antioxidative status and vibriosis resistance of abalone Haliotis discus hannai (initial body weight: 2.06 ± 0.01 g; initial shell length: 25.42 ± 0.18 mm). Four artificial diets were designed with 0 (artificial diet control), 7.5, 15.0 and 22.5 mg/kg of APSH‐07, respectively. The brown alga Laminaria japonica was used as the live food control. Results showed that the specific growth rates of abalone in the groups with 7.5 and 15.0 mg/kg dietary APSH‐07 were significantly higher than those in the controls (p < .05). The total haemocyte counts and respiratory burst activity in haemolymph of abalone in the group with 7.5 mg/kg of dietary APSH‐07 were significantly higher than those in the groups with 0 and 22.5 mg/kg of dietary APSH‐07 (p < .05). The gene expression levels of Mn‐superoxide dismutase and thioredoxin peroxidase 2, and the activities of glutathione peroxidase in the group with 7.5 mg/kg of dietary APSH‐07 were significantly higher than those in the other groups (p < .05). Cumulative mortality of abalone after the challenge test was significantly decreased in the group with 7.5 mg/kg of dietary APSH‐07 supplementation. Supplementation of 22.5 mg/kg dietary APSH‐07 significantly increased the cumulative mortality. In conclusion, 7.5 mg/kg of dietary APSH‐07 supplementation had the better growth performance, higher antioxidation, immune and disease resistance capacity of abalone. Excessive supplementation of dietary antimicrobial peptide APSH‐07 (22.5 mg/kg) had significantly negative effects. Further studies are needed to determine the optimal level of dietary APSH‐07 supplementation for abalone.     

Effects of dietary n‐3HUFA on different growth stages of the white shrimp,Litopenaeus vannamei: Growth,haematological characteristics,enzyme activities and fatty acid profiles

This study investigated the effects of n‐3 high unsaturated fatty acid (n‐3HUFA) levels on the growth performance, antioxidant enzyme activities and fatty acid profiles of both subadult and adult Litopenaeus vannamei (L. vannamei). Seven iso‐nitrogenous and iso‐lipidic diets were used, containing n‐3HUFA concentrations of 1.6 (control), 4.8, 7.4, 13.9, 23.9, 29.2 and 34.4 g/kg, respectively. Two 8‐week feeding trials were conducted to determine the dietary n‐3HUFA requirements of L. vannamei with an initial body weight of 4.25 ± 0.00 g (subadults) and 8.50 ± 0.01 g (adults). The results showed that the dietary n‐3HUFA level significantly affected the weight gain rate (WGR), specific growth rate, the feed conversion ratio and the hepatosomatic index (HSI) (p < 0.05), but did not significantly affect the survival rate (p > 0.05). At appropriate level, dietary n‐3HUFA improved growth performance and HSI of both subadult and adult L. vannamei. Both subadults and adults showed significant differences in body composition (p < 0.05), except for moisture and crude ash (p > 0.05). Cholesterol and low‐density lipoprotein significantly decreased with increasing dietary n‐3HUFA both in subadults and adults (p < 0.05); however, triglyceride showed no significant change (p > 0.05). High‐density lipoprotein (HDL) in subadults was significantly affected by dietary n‐3HUFA (p < 0.05), but followed no apparent regularity; HDL significantly changed in adults and showed an upward trend followed by a downward trend (p < 0.05). There was no significant effect on aspartate transaminase (AST) activity in subadults, but AST in adults and alanine transaminase (ALT) in subadults and adults were significantly affected (p < 0.05). Dietary n‐3HUFA significantly affected serum polyphend oxidase, malic dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, superoxide dismutase and sodium‐potassium adenosine triphosphatase enzyme activities in gills (p < 0.05). The fatty acid composition of the shrimp tissue was associated with the fatty acid composition of the diet. Dietary n‐3HUFA supplementation significantly improved the contents of tissue ∑HUFA and n‐3HUFA, increased the n‐3/n‐6 ratio in the tail muscle and decreased the contents of tissue polyunsaturated fatty acid and saturated fatty acid (p < 0.05). Based on the WGR, the broken‐line equations indicated that the optimum requirements of dietary n‐3HUFA were determined to be 9.0 and 5.1 g/kg for subadult and adult L. vannamei, respectively.     

Acute effects of copper on superoxide dismutase, catalase and lipid peroxidation in the freshwater teleost fish, Esomus danricus

Static-renewal bioassays [Methods for acute toxicity tests with fish, macro-invertebrates and amphibians: USEPA, ERS, EPA 660/3 75-009 (1975)] were carried out on Esomus danricus exposed to sub-lethal (0.55 mg/l) and lethal (5.5 mg/l) concentrations of copper. The 96-h median lethal concentration (LC₅₀) was 5.5 mg/l. Biochemical stress responses, such as visceral superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities, were measured during this 96-h period. Malondialdehyde, a product of lipid peroxidation, was present at elevated levels in the visceral tissue of copper-exposed fish. Copper was found to be highly toxic to the fish and induced significant declines (p < 0.05–0.001) in all of the biochemical profiles studied, demonstrating a linear and positive correlation with both the concentration and duration of exposure to copper. In E. danricus, CAT appeared to be more sensitive to copper exposure (p < 0.001) than SOD at both lethal and sub-lethal levels. These results indicate that antioxidant responses can be employed as biomarkers of oxidative stress for this species in aquatic environments contaminated with copper.     

Dietary copper requirement of juvenile yellow catfish Pelteobagrus fulvidraco

The present experiment was conducted to quantify dietary copper (Cu) requirement for juvenile yellow catfish Pelteobagrus fulvidraco. The six experimental diets were formulated to contain the graded levels of CuSO₄·5H₂O (0, 0.005, 0.01, 0.02, 0.04 and 0.08 g kg^?1 diet respectively) providing the actual dietary copper values of 2.14 (control), 3.24, 4.57, 7.06, 12.22 and 22.25 mg Cu kg^?1 diet respectively. Each diet was fed to triplicate groups of yellow catfish (initial body weight: 3.13 ± 0.09 g, means ± SD) in an indoor static rearing system for 7 weeks. Fish fed the diet containing 3.24 mg Cu kg^?1 diet had the highest weight gain and specific growth rate, but they were not significantly different from that of fish fed the 4.57 and 7.06 mg Cu kg^?1 diets (P > 0.05). The poorest feed conversion rate, the lowest protein efficiency ratio, the lowest hepatosomatic index and viscerosomatic index were observed in fish fed the diet containing the highest Cu content diet (P < 0.05). Condition factor showed no significant differences among the treatments (P > 0.05). Proximate composition of fish body was significantly affected by dietary copper level (P < 0.05). Cu contents of whole body and liver increased with dietary Cu levels (P < 0.05), but muscle Cu content remained relatively stable (P > 0.05). Analysis by the second‐order regression of SGR and linear regression of whole‐body Cu retention of the fish indicated that dietary Cu requirements in juvenile yellow catfish were 3.13–4.24 mg Cu kg^?1 diet.     

Replacement of fish oil with a DHA‐rich Schizochytrium meal on growth performance,activities of digestive enzyme and fatty acid profile of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) larvae

This trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of replacing dietary fish oil with Schizochytrium meal for Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) larvae (initial body weight 4.21 ± 0.10 mg). Six test microdiets were formulated using Schizochytrium meal to replace 0 g/kg, 250 g/kg, 500 g/kg, 750 g/kg, 1000 g/kg or 1500 g/kg fish oil DHA. No significant differences were observed in survival, growth, final body length and activities of digestive enzyme among shrimp fed different diets (p > .05). No significant differences were observed in C20:5n‐3 (EPA) in muscle samples (p > .05). C18:3n‐3 and C20:4n‐6 in muscle increased as Schizochytrium meal replacement level increased (p < .05). No significant differences were observed in C22:6n‐3 (DHA) and n‐3 fatty acids among shrimp fed diets that algae meal replaced 0 g/kg ‐ 1000 g/kg of fish oil. Shrimp fed diet R150 had higher DHA content than other groups and had higher n‐3 fatty acids than that of shrimp fed diets R50, R75 and R100 (p < .05). C18:2n‐6, PUFA and n‐6 fatty acids in muscle increased, while n‐3/n‐6 ratio decreased with increasing algae meal replacement level from 0 g/kg to 1000 g/kg (p < .05). In conclusion, Schizochytrium meal could replace 1500 g/kg fish oil DHA in the microdiets without negatively affecting shrimp larvae survival, growth and activities of digestive enzyme.     

Effects of dietary zinc level on performance,zinc status,tissue composition and enzyme activities of juvenile Siberian sturgeon,Acipenser baerii (Brandt 1869)

This study conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary zinc (Zn) levels on feed utilization, tissue Zn composition and serum enzyme activities of juvenile Siberian sturgeon, Acipenser baerii. Five isoenergetic and isonitrogenous semi‐purified diets were formulated with increasing Zn sulphate (ZnSO₄.5H₂O) level to provide the actual Zn values of 14.7 (control), 20.8, 27.3, 37.7 and 46.4 mg/kg diet. Each diet was assigned to three groups of 20 experimental Siberian sturgeons with uniform size (initial weight of 26.52 ± 0.94 g) for a period of 8‐week feeding trial. Results showed that growth performance and muscle protein content were significantly increased with increasing dietary Zn level up to 27.3 mg/kg (p < .05), beyond which they remained significantly unchanged (p > .05). Muscle lipid content significantly declined with increasing dietary Zn level. While muscle and serum Zn contents were not significantly changed among treatments (p > .05), liver Zn content tended to rise with increasing dietary Zn supplementation. Alkaline phosphatase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities were also raised with increasing dietary Zn level. The adequate amount of dietary Zn requirements for the Siberian sturgeon was estimated to be 28.24 mg/kg based on the relative growth rate and 34.60 mg/kg based on the liver Zn content.     

Effects of olive pomace on growth performance,digestibility, body composition and fatty acid profile in yearling Siberian sturgeon,Acipenser baerii (Brandt 1896)

Replacement of olive pomace (OP) with wheat flour in diet was studied in diet of yearling Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii). Fish (165 ± 6.8 g) were randomly allocated to 15 fibreglass tanks (15 fish/tank, in triplicate). Fish were assigned to one of five dietary treatments at 19.1 ± 1.5°C for 8 weeks: control diet (crude protein and crude lipid at 514.6 and 188 g/kg_, respectively) and four experimental diets with 20, 50, 75 and 100 g/kg OP to replace wheat flour in the experimental diets. No significant difference was observed in the final weight, feed conversion ratio, specific growth rate, hepatosomatic index, viscera‐somatic index and survival rate among the treatments (p > 0.05). No change was seen in digestibility of protein and lipid in diets containing 20 g/kg and 50 g/kg OP compared to control group, while these values decreased with increasing in OP above 50 g/kg. Digestibility of dry matter and gross energy among the treatments demonstrated no significant difference (p > 0.05). Polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially C22:6n3 (DHA), in the muscle of the fish fed 75 g/kg and 100 g/kg OP in diets were significantly higher than control group (p < 0.05). These data show that OP could be recommended as a substitute for wheat flour in diet of S. sturgeon but its utilization for other species warranted future works.     

Dietary calcium requirement of red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkia)

To investigate dietary calcium requirement of red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkia), six semi‐purified diets were formulated to contain different concentrations of calcium (2.7(control group), 6.1, 11.9, 17.6, 23.5 and 29.1 g/kg calcium). Each diet was hand‐fed to triplicate of 15 crayfish with average initial body weight (6.22 ± 0.87) g for 8 weeks. The results showed that weight gain rate (WGR) significantly increased and feed conversion ratio (FCR) significantly decreased from 11.9 to 23.5 g/kg groups (p < .05). Protease activities in intestine and hepatopancreas and parathyroid hormone concentrations in serum significantly decreased with increasing dietary calcium levels (p < .05), while calcium and phosphorus contents in exoskeleton, calcium content in muscle and calcitonin concentrations in serum significantly increased (p < .05). The activities of lipase and amylase in intestine and hepatopancreas, serum alkaline phosphatase and total vitamin D concentrations in serum had significant increase as dietary calcium content increased up to 11.9–17.6 g/kg (p < .05). The inorganic phosphorus content in 29.1 g/kg group was significantly lower than those in other groups (p < .05). Broken‐line model analysis based on WGR and quadratic curve model analysis based on FCR showed that optimal dietary calcium requirement of red swamp crayfish ranged from 12.7 to 17.1 g/kg.     

Response of Pacific white leg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) on exposure to aflatoxin in feed

A research was accomplished to find the response of Litopenaeus vannamei to different levels of aflatoxin in feed. Two hundred live L. vannamei were collected from a shrimp breeding station located on the south of Tiab, in Hormozgan province. Aflatoxin contaminated diets with 0.18, 96.21, 184.74, 711.35, 977.11 and 1605.61 µg/kg were prepared and shrimps in six experimental groups with three replicates in each group for 28 days were fed with these diets. The results showed that activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in haemolymph and histological alternation index (HAI) value of hepatopancreas in treatement groups were significantly higher than control group (p < 0.05). Decreased total protein and fat in haemolymph and increased protein in muscle of treatment shrimps were observed compared with the control group (p < 0.05). The HAI value of 977.11 and 1605.61 μg/kg groups were significantly higher than the control and other groups (p < 0.05). Histological study results showed that calculated HAI (more than 100) in these groups as a result of necrosis lesion observed in hepatopancreas. Moderate to severe alteration was recognized in group fed by 711.35 µg/kg aflatoxin. Minor aflatoxin levels (0.18, 96.21 and 184.74 µg/kg) caused inappreciable tissue alteration. This study demonstrated body composition, haemolymph parameters and histology of hepatopancreas were affected in the aflatoxin‐contaminated feed when the concentration was over 955.14 µg/kg.     

Feed intake,growth, feed utilization,body composition and waste output of juvenile hybrid bream at different feeding frequencies

An eight‐week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the feed intake, growth, feed utilization, body composition and waste output of juvenile hybrid bream at different feeding frequencies (0.5, 1, 2, 3 or 4 meals/day). Fish (initial body weight of 10.6 ± 0.8 g) were fed to satiation at each feeding. The test diet contained 336 g/kg crude protein and 79 g/kg crude lipid. The weight gain significantly increased with increase in feeding frequency from 0.5 to 3 meals/day (p < 0.05) and afterwards did not change with feeding frequency from 3 to 4 meals/day (p > 0.05). The feed intake increased with increase in feeding frequency (p < 0.05). Fish fed at 3 meals/day exhibited the lowest feed conversion ratio and waste output of nitrogen and phosphorus, however, the highest nitrogen retention efficiency (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found in the phosphorus retention efficiency, the body composition of crude protein, ash and phosphorus among all the feeding frequencies (p > 0.05). The body lipid content increased, whereas the content of moisture decreased, with the increase in feeding frequency (p < 0.05). The present study reveals that the optimum feeding frequency is 3 meals/day for hybrid bream.