Growth,partial energy balance,mantle and digestive gland lipid composition of Octopus vulgaris (Cuvier, 1797) fed with two artificial diets

Effects of two binders (gelatine and alginate) were tested on growth, survival, partial energy balance and lipid composition of mantle and digestive gland (DG) of Octopus vulgaris. The three diets tested were given as follows: CON, (Loligo gahi) as control, GEL, composed of squid paste (L. gahi) (300 g kg^?1), fish hydrolyse CPSP^® (100 g kg^?1) and fish meal (500 g kg^?1), agglutinated with 100 g kg^?1 of gelatine and ALG, composed of squid paste (L. gahi) (300 g kg^?1), fish hydrolyse CPSP^® (100 g kg^?1) and fish meal (500 g kg^?1), all agglutinated with 100 g kg^?1 of alginate. Growth rates were 13.7 ± 2.1, 2.1 ± 2.8 and ?2.4 ± 2.9 g kg^?1 bw day^?1, for octopuses fed CON, GEL and ALG diets, respectively. DGs of octopuses had higher concentrations of fatty acids (FA) than the mantle. DG of animals fed CON had higher concentrations of FAs than those fed the artificial diets. Energetic balance demonstrated that physiologically useful energy for maintenance E(B) was affected by type of diet, with negative values of E(B) in animals fed ALG and positive (85 and 154 kJ kg^?1 day^?1) in octopuses fed GEL and CON, respectively. The ALG diet did not cope with the physiological requirements for octopus growth.     

High feeding and growth rates in common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) fed formulated feeds with an improved amino acid profile and mixture of binders

Four semi‐moist formulated feeds were supplied to Octopus vulgaris subadults (664 ± 70 g; 18.4 ± 0.7°C) in two different experiments. In the experiment #1, two diets were prepared with a new mixture of binders (gelatine 150 g kg^?1, starch 100 g kg^?1 and gum 50 g kg^?1). The GEL15‐Squid and GEL15‐Hake feeds included 100 g kg^?1 freeze‐dried squid (Todarodes sagittatus) or hake (Merluccius sp.) respectively. Both feeds showed low water disintegration rates at 24 h (13.6–15.0% dry weight). The specific feeding rate was higher in animals fed GEL15‐Hake (2.7%BW day^?1), but the growth and feed efficiency were significantly better in animals fed GEL15‐Squid (1.4%BW day^?1 and 61.2% respectively; P < 0.05). The proximate composition of the digestive gland, carcass and whole animals was similar. In the experiment #2, the GEL15‐Squid amino acid profile was improved by replacing 50 g kg^?1 gelatine by 50 g kg^?1 freeze‐dried squid (GEL10‐Squid) or freeze‐dried fish (GEL10‐Fish). These feeds showed higher water disintegration rates (31.7–36.3% dry weight). The feeding rates (2.2–2.3%BW day^?1), growth (1.5%BW day^?1) and feed efficiency were similar for both diets. Total lipids were higher in the digestive gland and whole animals fed GEL10‐Fish diet (P < 0.05). Future effort could be directed towards alternative binders that allow improve amino acid balance with a minimum gelatine content or even supplementation trials including essential amino acids.     

Effects of a dry pelleted diet on growth and survival of the Yucatan octopus, Octopus maya

The effect of a dry pelleted diet on growth of the Yucatan octopus (Octopus maya) was determined and compared with crab diet (Callinectes spp). Two groups of 15 wild collected animals were used. Octopuses were placed in isolation, in a flow‐through system composed of 30 circular tanks (80 L), with a bottom of 40 cm in diameter and a water depth of 80 cm. Experiment lasted 40 days, and octopuses were weighed every 10 days to determine growth rates. Octopuses were fed between 7% and 10% body weight (BW) per day, twice a day at 9:00 h and 17:00 h. Uneaten food was removed after 4 h in the tanks and weighed, to determine food ingestion and conversion. No mortality as a result of natural causes was observed. The 15 octopuses fed on frozen crabs and the 15 fed on the artificial diet had similar weights (P > 0.05) at the start of the experiment, of 486.2 ± 214.8 and 472.5 ± 228.3 g, respectively. At the end of the experiment, octopuses fed on frozen crabs weighed 1466.5 ± 484.0 g, and were significantly larger (P < 0.05), than octopuses fed on artificial diets (438.9 ± 202.6 g). Growth rates for the experiment were of 3.3 ± 0.2 and –0.0 ± 0.3% BW per day, for octopuses fed frozen crabs and the artificial diet, respectively. The artificial diet did not promote growth, but animals did not loose weight and more important, ate regularly all the food supplied, with feeding rates higher than reported in the literature for prepared diets. This makes O. maya a good research animal for the development of artificial diets for cephalopods.     

Effects of two dietary protein levels on energy balance and digestive capacity of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Octopus maya</Emphasis>

Octopus maya is a carnivorous species and protein is the main energy source. During the present study, two different dietary protein levels (40 and 60% CP) were offered to octopuses as specifically designed artificial diets, to determine protein needs and the effects on metabolism. Frozen crab (Callinectes spp.) was used as control. Results obtained demonstrated that crab remains as one of the best diets for O. maya. The artificial diet with 60% CP produced a low but positive growth rate, and at times, a physiological response similar to that observed in octopuses fed crabs. The present results show the capacity of O. maya juveniles to adjust their digestive enzymes to different types of food and protein level, and this appears to be well correlated with octopus growth. General proteases and trypsin from the pancreas were well correlated with growth rates. A low activity was observed in octopuses fed 40% PC diet (negative growth rate), while a high activity was present in octopuses fed 60% CP diet and crabs (low and high growth rate, respectively). In contrast, these same enzymes were inducted in the salivary glands of octopuses fed with the diet that promoted weight loss (40% CP diet), while a reduced activity was observed in octopuses fed crabs. Energy budget indicates that the animals ingested more than 1,000 kJ week⁻¹ kg⁻¹; with such energy, octopuses should satisfy their physiological demands such as was observed when animals were fed crab (I = 1,300 kJ week⁻¹ kg⁻¹; P = 834 kJ week⁻¹ kg⁻¹). However, a very low digested energy was observed in octopuses the fed artificial diets, indicating that these could have a factor that limits digestibility.     

The use of alternative prey (crayfish, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Procambarus clarki</Emphasis>, and hake, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Merlucius gayi</Emphasis>) to culture <Emphasis Type="Italic">Octopus vulgaris</Emphasis> (Cuvier 1797)

The effects of two alternative prey (crayfish and hake) were tested on growth and survival of both juveniles and adults of Octopus vulgaris in two experiments. Octopuses fed the control (squid) were larger (3.0 ± 0.7 kg) than those fed crayfish (2.4 ± 0.6 kg) at the end of experiment I. Similarly, overall growth rates were higher for octopuses fed squid (1.7 ± 0.3 and 1.2 ± 0.2 %BW day⁻¹, respectively). Average feeding rates for the experiment were not different, being 6.5 ± 0.9 and 7.5 ± 0.9 %BW day⁻¹, respectively, for octopuses fed either squid or crayfish. Nevertheless, food conversions for the experiment were higher (42.4 ± 2.7%) for octopuses fed squid compared to the ones fed crayfish (23.9 ± 1.9 g). For experiment II, hake and crayfish were compared to squid; the final weight of octopuses fed squid, hake or crayfish was 1,183.0 ± 242.7 g, 1,175.6 ± 240.1 g and 922.3 ± 160.1 g, respectively. Overall growth rates for the experiment were 1.9 ± 0.2 %BW day⁻¹, 1.9 ± 0.3 %BW day⁻¹ and 1.1 ± 0.3 g, respectively. Final weight and growth rates were never different (P > 0.05) between octopuses fed squid and hake, but were always higher (P < 0.05) compared to the ones fed crayfish. Average feeding rates for experiment II were similar for the three diets, and of 4.6 ± 1.5, 4.2 ± 1.3 %BW day⁻¹ and 5.1 ± 0.9 %BW day⁻¹, respectively, for octopuses fed squid, hake or crayfish. Food conversions for experiment II were of 41.0 ± 9.6%, 40.5 ± 9.9% and 21.3 ± 7.4 g, respectively, for octopuses fed squid, hake or crayfish, and were always higher for octopuses fed squid and hake compared to crayfish. The results indicate that crayfish is not an adequate replacement for the usual prey to fatten octopus, even considering its much lower market price.     

The use of alternative diets to culture juvenile cuttlefish,Sepia officinalis: effects on growth and lipid composition

The effects of feeding three natural frozen diets, grass shrimp (Palaemonetes sp.), crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) and fish (Sardina pilchardus) and two semi‐humid artificial diets (based on fish or shrimp powder) to the cuttlefish, Sepia officinalis, were analysed. Growth rate and feeding rate [FR; % body weight (BW) day^?1] and food conversions (FC, %) were determined. Cuttlefish fed shrimp grew larger (3.8% BW day^?1) and had the highest FC, followed by those fed crayfish, and sardine. The highest FR was obtained for cuttlefish fed crayfish (10.5% BW day^?1). Although both artificial diets were accepted, none produced growth. Digestive gland‐to‐body weight ratio (DG/BW ratio) was calculated for animals fed each diet. A positive correlation (r = 0.94) between cuttlefish ingestion FR and DG weight was obtained. Mortality occurred mainly during the last week, and some cannibalism occurred among cuttlefish fed artificial diets. Finally, lipid composition of diets, DG and mantle of each group were analysed. Sardine diet was characterized by high levels of triacylglycerol (TG), whereas the main difference between shrimp and crayfish was the higher n‐3/n‐6 ratio found in shrimp. Changes in the lipid composition of DG were related to diet, but did not correlate with growth data. A strong loss of TG in the DG of artificial diets groups was notable. No differences in mantle lipid composition among the natural diets were found, but artificial diet groups showed higher contents of neutral lipids in their mantle respect to natural diets. According to results obtained, crayfish (P. clarkii) could be used as an alternative prey for rearing S. officinalis compared with shrimp. Artificial diets showed the worst effects in growth and mortality as well as the stronger influence on DG and mantle lipid composition of cuttlefish.     

Nucleic acids and fatty acids of the common octopus, Octopus vulgaris, in relation to the growth rate

The aim of this study was to investigate changes in the ribonucleic acid (RNA)/deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) ratio and the fatty acid composition of cultured Octopus vulgaris (50–750 g) in relation to recent (last 30 days) specific growth rate (SGR). Wild animals (80–500 g), collected in the field throughout the year (Aegean Sea, Mediterranean), were also examined for the aforementioned biochemical parameters. Octopuses were reared in a closed seawater system at three different temperatures (15, 20 and 25 °C). The octopuses were fed on squid (Loligo vulgaris). The cultured animals showed a high n‐3 (33–52.9%) and n‐6 (3.3–13.7%) polyunsaturated fatty acid content, but with a high variation for 22:6n‐3 [docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)], 20:5n‐3 [eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)] and 20:4n‐6 [arachidonic acid (AA)]. The proportion of these fatty acids (% total fatty acids) and the RNA/DNA ratio were linearly (P<0.0001) related to SGR. Specifically, RNA/DNA (0.5–1.9) and AA (2.7–10.7%) increased, while EPA (10.4–19.7%) and DHA (20.8–31.9%) decreased, with increasing SGR (0.4–1.7% day⁻¹). The highest levels of SGR, RNA/DNA and AA were detected in small (50–150 g) octopuses reared at 20 and 25 °C and in large (500–750 g) animals reared at 15 °C. Similar RNA/DNA levels and fatty acid percentages were found in wild octopuses. It is concluded that RNA/DNA, DHA, EPA and AA could be used as biochemical indices for predicting the growth rate of O. vulgaris.     

Efficient utilization of dietary lipids in Octopus vulgaris (Cuvier 1797) fed fresh and agglutinated moist diets based on aquaculture by‐products and low price trash species

The aim of this study was to evaluate growth, biochemical composition and dietary nutrients utilization in Octopus vulgaris fed on four diets based on bogue Boops boops, from different origin and in two presentations: fresh discarded bogue (aquaculture by‐product) (DB‐f), fresh wild bogue (low price trash species) (WB‐f), discarded bogue agglutinated moist diet (DB‐m) and wild bogue agglutinated moist diet (WB‐m). Diets based on DB showed higher lipid content (19–26% dw) than those based on WB (5–6% dw). Octopuses fed on DB‐based diets showed higher growth (1.5–1.9% day^?1) and higher protein efficiency ratio (0.64–0.69) than those fed on WB‐based diet (1.1–1.5% day^?1 and 0.36–0.37 respectively), which suggests good utilization of dietary lipids and also a possible protein sparing effect by lipids in O. vulgaris. Octopuses fed on diets presented fresh showed a higher growth (1.9–1.5% day^?1) and a higher feed efficiency (62–65%) than those fed on agglutinated diets (1.1–1.5% and 52–60% day^?1 respectively). Regarding fatty acids, the digestive gland clearly reflected dietary lipid and fatty acid profile, while muscle showed a more stable composition. Low dietary ARA content reflected in octopus tissues, especially in specimens fed on DB‐based diets, which did not seem to affect growth during the experimental period.     

Effects of dietary protein sources on growth,survival and digestive capacity of Octopus maya juveniles (Mollusca: Cephalopoda)

We propose two hypotheses to explain the inexistence of adequate prepared diet for Octopus maya at this date: Hypothesis 1 is related to changes in protein structure during protein cooking, which affects the digestibility. Hypothesis 2 is related to changes on nutritional characteristics during ingredient process, which affects the nutritional composition of diet. To test hypothesis 1, experiments one and two were directed to determine if protein cooking reduces digestibility and growth of animals when compared to fresh or lyophilized protein sources. For hypothesis 2, three experiments were conducted, testing seven different dietary protein sources offered in isolation or combined in artificial diets fed to O. maya. Results demonstrated that the diets that promoted growth were the ones based on fresh crab paste, and both lyophilized crab and squid tentacles paste. In consequence hypothesis 1 was accepted. The cooking process also changed nutritional characteristics of protein sources, affecting the growth of O. maya. Results obtained when squid and crab were mixed suggest that nutritional requirements of octopuses were covered with that diet in similar forms compared to when using fresh or lyophilized crab, also confirming hypothesis 2. Based on growth rates obtained, we can conclude that nutritional requirements of O. maya must be between 80% and 86% Protein (P), 5.1–5.6% Lipids and a protein: energy ratio between (P/E) 38.9 and 42.2 g MJ^?1.     

Effect of two extruded diets with different fish and squid meal ratio on growth,digestibility and body composition of Octopus vulgaris (Cuvier, 1797)

The present work studies the growth and body composition of 18 Octopus vulgaris (6 per treatment) fed two extruded diets, namely FMS and 3FMS, based on different fish and squid meal ratios (1:1, and 3:1 respectively). The diets are compared with a control diet based on crab (Carcinus mediterraneus) and bogue (Boops boops). The growing tests were conducted on animals placed in individual 300 L rectangular fibreglass tanks in an open seawater system, containing PVC tubes as shelters, resulting in 100% survival rate. The control group exhibited the highest specific growth rates (SGR = 2.14%BW day^?1), while values of around 0.69%BW day^?1 were achieved by octopuses fed the extruded diets. Even though the three groups of animals showed similar digestive gland indexes, the two extruded diets promoted significant differences in the muscle composition and fatness of the digestive gland. Digestibility of dry matter was not affected by the type of extruded diet, obtaining ADC values of around 88%. The results suggest that squid and fish meal can be both used in dry pelleted extruded diets, with moderate acceptance by the octopus, even though the formulation must be optimized with the aim of improving acceptability and achieve growths in the range of natural diets.     

Effects of supplementation of decapod zoea to Artemia basal diet on fatty acid composition and digestive gland histology in common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) paralarvae

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of the supplementation of different crab zoeas to enriched Artemia basal diet for Octopus vulgaris paralarvae during the first month of life. Paralarvae were fed using enriched Artemia nauplii alone and Artemia co‐fed either first zoea stages of Grapsus adscensionis or Plagusia depressa. The experiment was carried out over a period of 28 days, in 0.12 m³ tanks with a flow‐through rearing system. Growth in dry weight as well as mantle length and width were assessed weekly. Additionally, prey and paralarvae fatty acid composition and digestive gland (DG) histology were evaluated. Addition of low amounts of crab zoeas (approx. 100 indv. L^?1 day^?1) provided during critical life stages of O. vulgaris proved to be good enough to improve paralarvae growth and survival in comparison with those fed exclusively on enriched Artemia. These results were supported by the finding of a higher number of glycoprotein absorption vacuoles in the DG from paralarvae co‐fed crab zoeas, suggesting a higher feeding activity. In addition, fatty acid analysis of crab zoea showed that these are good sources of dietary arachidonic and eicosapentaenoic acids during the octopus planktonic life stage, whereas the low docosahexaenoic (DHA) content suggests the use of additional DHA sources or higher zoea densities to meet paralarvae nutritional demand to carry out a successful metamorphosis to benthic life.     

Influence of natural diet on growth and biochemical composition of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Octopus vulgaris</Emphasis> Cuvier, 1797

The influence of diet on growth and biochemical composition of cultured Octopus vulgaris was investigated. Octopuses were reared in a open recirculation seawater system and during the experiment were kept apart in cages. Experiment lasted 30 days. Three experimental dietary groups were established: group I (mixed diet: Carcinus mediterraneus, Boops boops and Mytilus galloprovincialis), group II (monodiet on B. boops) and group III (monodiet on M. galloprovincialis). The best results were obtained with the monodiet based on bogue that gave a weight gain of 390.65 ± 37.54, an absolute growth rate of 13.02 g day⁻¹ and feed efficiency of 44.79 ± 0.96%. Regarding to biochemical composition, the mussel-fed and bogue-fed groups showed the highest protein content. Animals fed on bogue also showed the highest carbohydrate content, while the lowest value was observed in the mussels-fed group. The lipid content was found to be very low in all dietary groups. Saturated fatty acids were the most abundant fatty acid class, ranging from 58.22% in wild octopuses to 46.83% in bogues-fed octopuses. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) were the second most abundant fatty acids class in all dietary treatments (25.65–37.00% as a per cent of total FAs) except in octopuses fed with mussels. MUFAs ranged from 11.44 to 26.93% of total FAs. Although it is empirically known that a varied diet better covers the nutritional requirements than a monodiet, the results of this study reveal that a monodiet of B. boops may be used.     

Relationship between nutritional and rearing parameters of Octopus maya juveniles fed with different rations of crab paste

To study the effect of feed ration on rearing and nutritional conditions of Octopus maya juveniles (7–10 days old), two groups of octopuses were fed on 10% and 30% rations, using a crab paste agglutinated with gelatine, when compared to another control group fed ad libitum on crab muscle tissue. The agglutinated diet was well accepted by the octopuses at this early stage. When considered together, the marginally higher survival of the 30% group and probably higher levels of the other rearing performance parameters (growth and feeding rate) indicate that this feed ration is more adequate than a 10% feed ration for rearing O. maya under these conditions. Octopuses fed 30% also generally showed higher total energy per gram of arm tissue and oxygen consumption, as well as different proteolytic activity. In addition, the mentioned nutritional differences influenced by the feed ration were found to be statistically correlated to the promoted growth and the end survival and feeding rates.     

The effects of fish hydrolysate (CPSP) level on Octopus maya (Voss and Solis) diet: Digestive enzyme activity, blood metabolites, and energy balance

As has been demonstrated in previous studies, Octopus maya can be fed on artificial diets. In the present study six different diets were assayed. Five diets were designed to test the effect of percentage of inclusion of fish protein concentrate (CPSP: 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20%) and were offered to octopuses as a specifically designed artificial diet. The sixth diet consisted of frozen crab (Callinectes spp) and was used as control diet. Blood metabolites and energy budget of octopuses were evaluated to determine how CPSP levels modulate the digestive capacity and allow retaining energy for growth. Wild animals (316.4 ± 9.8 g) were used in the study. Results showed that CPSP produced a positive specific growth rate (SGR, % day^− 1) with high value in octopuses fed 15% CPSP level. A maximum growth rate of 0.86% day^− 1 was recorded in these animals, a value that is extremely low when compared with the SGR obtained when animals were fed fresh crab (3.7% day^− 1). In general, blood metabolites were affected by diet composition, indicating that some metabolites could reflect the nutritional and/or physiological status of octopus. Preliminary reference values for O. maya fed crab were found for glucose (0.09 ±0.02 mg/ml), lactate (0.004 ± 0.002 mg/ml), cholesterol (0.16 ± 0.02 mg/ml), acylglycerol (0.14 ± 0.01 mg/ml), protein (0.37 ± 0.04 mg/ml), hemocyanin (1.85 ± 0.04 mmol/l), and digestive gland glycogen (1.86 ± 0.3 mg/g). Total energy content can be used as an indicator of tissue metabolic reserves. In the present study, higher energy content in the digestive gland and muscle was observed in octopuses fed crab, followed by animals fed 15% CPSP. Results from the digestive gland indicated that the retained energy derived from glycogen, suggesting that lipids and protein were the main sources of variation linked with energy content. In general, digestive gland proteases activity and trypsin were induced in octopuses fed 15% CPSP. The capacity of O. maya juveniles to adjust their digestive enzymes to different types of food was evidenced. Essential amino acid content (EAA) of the diet was not a limiting factor. When dietary EAA profiles were compared with O. maya EAA profiles, all dietary EAA resulted in a higher concentration than whole body octopus composition. In the present study, all experimental groups ingested between 3300 and 4106 kJ wk^− 1 kg^− 1 without statistical differences among treatments, indicating that experimental diets were as attractive as crab. Differences were recorded in the proportion of absorbed energy (Ab, %) between CPSP-based and crab meat diets, suggesting digestion limitations associated with artificial diets. The present results indicate that the 15% CPSP diet had characteristics that stimulate digestive enzymes and reduce energetic costs associated with its digestion (HiE or SDA), channeling more biomass production than the other experimental diets.     

Replacing live feed with formulated diets in juvenile Patagonian red octopus (Enteroctopus megalocyathus)

Two formulated diets were evaluated to replace live crab (C) as feed for juveniles Enteroctopus megalocyathus. Formulated diets consisted of crab paste (CP) and a mixture of freeze‐dried meals of crab and squid (C&S). After 10 weeks of feeding, the effect of each diet was analysed on productive performance, nutritional and physiological condition and immune system. Both the crab and C&S diets produced the best values for specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio and protein efficiency ratio. The diet C&S proved to be the most digestible with greatest metabolized energy. The CP diet was similar to the C diet in terms of biological value and protein apparent digestibility; nevertheless, its performance was weaker for the other indicators. Furthermore, the highest α‐amylase, lipase and alkaline proteolytic activity values were observed in octopuses fed live crab, as opposed to those fed formulated feeds. The type of diet did not affect lysozyme activity in neither mucus nor haemolymph. The production of reactive oxygen species was highest in octopuses fed CP diet. It is proposed the use of C&S diet to study the nutritional requirements and to develop an optimal formulated diet for juvenile Patagonian red octopus.     

Marine gammarids (Crustacea: Amphipoda): a new live prey to culture Octopus maya hatchlings

The effects of feeding two alternative live prey Hyalella azteca (freshwater gammarids) and Hyale media (marine gammarids) to Octopus maya hatchlings were compared with feeding adult Artemia sp., traditionally used during the first weeks of the life cycle. Hatchlings were fed ad libitum these three live preys during the first 15 days, and a paste elaborated with fresh squid and shrimp during the next 15 days when hatchling can be fed prepared diets. Weight (g) and specific growth rates (% day^?1) were determined every 15 days. Octopus maya hatchlings fed with marine gammarids grew larger (6.9 ± 0.2% day^?1) compared with hatchlings fed Artemia sp. or freshwater gammarids (4.8 ± 0.2% and 5.0 ± 0.3% day^?1 respectively). Survival was also higher (92.2 ± 6.8%) for hatchlings fed marine gammarids, than for those fed Artemia sp. (74.5 ± 23.8%) or freshwater gammarids (41.2 ± 21.2%). The content of acylglycerides, cholesterol and proteins in O. maya fed marine gammarids suggested a better nutrient assimilation by the hatchlings. Also, polyunsaturated fatty acids levels (EPA and DHA) were more abundant in marine gammarids, possibly contributing to the higher growth rates observed. This is the first study revealing a successful use of marine gammarids as alternative prey for octopus hatchlings culture.     

Haemato‐immunological and serum biochemical parameters,intestinal histomorphology and growth performance of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fed dietary fermentable fibre (Vitacel®)

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary fermentable fibre (Vitacel^®) on haemato‐immunological and serum biochemical parameters, intestinal histomorphology, growth performance and proximate body composition of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). One hundred and twenty fish (81.65 ± 1.49 g) were fed diets containing 0 and 10 g kg^?1 fermentable fibre (Vitacel^®) for 50 days. At the end of feeding trial, growth performance parameters were significantly improved in fermentable fibre (Vitacel^®)‐fed fish. Although feeding on fermentable fibre (Vitacel^®)‐supplemented diet had no remarkable effect on haematological parameters (RBC, Htc and Hb) (P > 0.05), white blood cell (WBC) count and monocyte level were significantly affected (P = 0.040 and P = 0.020, respectively). In case of serum biochemical parameters, a significant increase and decrease were observed in serum total protein (P = 0.040) and cholesterol level (P = 0.000), respectively. Also, lysozyme level was significantly increased following administration of Vitacel^® in diet (P = 0.006). Histomorphological evaluations revealed that villus length (P = 0.004) and tunica muscularis thickness (P = 0.000) were significantly higher in fermentable fibre (Vitacel^®)‐fed fish. These results indicate that fermentable fibre can be considered as a dietary supplement for improving the health status and performance of rainbow trout.     

Effects of canola meal on physiological and biochemical parameters in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Rainbow trout (initial body weight 4.16 ± 0.25 g) were fed diets [crude protein 420 g kg^?1; gross energy 18.7 MJ kg^?1 dry matter (DM); crude fat 110 g kg^?1] containing graded levels of either a canola meal (crude protein 350 g kg^?1 DM) supplemented with DL‐methionine as partial fish meal protein. A growth trial was conducted over 16 weeks at a water temperature of 12 ± 1 °C. At the end of the growth trial, in addition to body composition analyses, plasma tri‐iodothyronine (T₃) and thyroxine (T₄), cholesterol and liver fatty acid composition were measured. Replacement of fish meal with canola meal (100–570 g kg^?1 replacement) did not affect on growth performance. At 16th week, plasma cholesterol levels were reduced in fish fed all diets in comparison with 8th week. Plasma T₄ levels were significantly higher in the canola meal‐fed fish sampled after 16 weeks, but no significant differences in T₃ levels were obtained (P > 0.05). Proximate compositions were affected by dietary treatments. The liver fatty acid composition reflected that of the diet with a higher level of polyunsaturated (n‐6) fatty acids in fish fed diet canola meal and a higher content in n‐3/n‐6 ratio in fish fed diet without canola meal. These studies show that canola meal has potential to replace substantial levels of fish meal in diets for carnivorous fish without compromising performance.     

Interacting effects of dietary lipid level and temperature on growth, body composition and fatty acid profile of rohu, Labeo rohita (Hamilton)

Three isonitrogenous (320 g kg^?1 crude protein, casein and gelatine) semi‐purified diets with 80 (L8), 130 (L13) and 180 (L18) g kg^?1 lipid (sunflower oil at increasing levels and cod liver oil fixed at 50 g kg^?1) at three digestible energy levels (12 096, 13 986 and 15 876 kJ kg^?1 dry weight) and were tested, in triplicate, on rohu fingerlings (3.2 ± 0.08 g) at two different temperatures (21 and 32 °C). Fish were fed to apparent satiation, twice daily, at 09.00 and 15.00 h, 7 days a week for 56 days. Maximum growth was obtained at a lipid level of 80 g kg^?1 (L8) at 21 °C (439.37%) and 130 g kg^?1 (L13) at 32 °C (481.8%). In general growth rate was higher at 32 °C than at 21 °C at all lipid levels. Tissue monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) contents decreased with increasing lipid level at 32 °C, but the reverse occurred at 21 °C. At 21 °C, Polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) level increased significantly (P > 0.05) over initial values, but was affected insignificantly by dietary lipid level. At 32 °C, fish fed diet L13 had more n‐3 fatty acid (FA) in liver and muscle than the other two dietary groups while at 21 °C, both liver and muscle FA profiles exhibited significant change (P > 0.05) in n‐3 and n‐6 FA content which corresponded to variation in percent addition of dietary lipid. However, n‐3/n‐6 ratio was higher for fish fed diet L13 at 32 °C and diet L8 at 21 °C and may be correlated with fish growth.     

Effect of Rotifer Enrichment on Sunshine Bass Morone chrysops × M. saxatilis Larvae Growth and Survival and Fatty Acid Composition

The effect of enriching rotifer prey with highly unsaturated fatty acids on sunshine bass Morone chrysops × M. saxatilis larval survival and growth from ages 4 to 12 d posthatch was determined. Comparisons were made among larvae fed (1) rotifers cultured with Nannochloropsis paste versus rotifers cultured with Nannochloropsis paste and enriched with Culture Selco 3000; (2) no rotifers versus rotifers cultured with Nannochloropsis paste and enriched with Culture Selco 3000; and (3) rotifers cultured with Nannochloropsis paste and enriched with Culture Selco 3000, rotifers cultured with Nannochloropsis and Pavlova pastes and enriched with Culture Selco 3000, and rotifers cultured with Nannochloropsis paste and enriched with Culture Selco 3000 and Super Selco. The only differences in survival were unfed larvae with practically no survival compared to 55.4% survival for larvae fed rotifers cultured with paste plus Culture Selco 3000. Larvae fed rotifers cultured with paste plus Culture Selco 3000 were longer and had greater condition than those fed rotifers cultured with paste. Additional enrichment with Pavlova sp. or Super Selco had no affect. A canonical analysis of fatty acid contents of diets, rotifers, and fry supported evidence from harvest results. Distances between centroids indicated distinct differences among diets, less distinction among the rotifers, and little difference among fry. Enrichment enhanced growth, but additional enrichment beyond that done during rotifer culture did not increase survival, growth, or condition.