Utilization of combined extruded soybean and corn gluten meals as feed ingredients for juvenile rainbow trout,Oncorhynchus mykiss diet

In this study, feeding experiment and subsequent digestibility trial were performed to investigate the utilization of extruded soybean meal (SBM) and corn gluten meal (CGM) as feed ingredients for juvenile rainbow trout. Plant ingredients have undergone extrusion at low temperature (100°C, LT) or high temperature (150°C, HT) for 30 s. Four isonitrogenous (44%, crude protein) and isolipidic (14%, crude lipid) diets were formulated. Control diet is fishmeal based while a combined (1:1) non‐extruded SBM and CGM for NE diet, LT SBM and LT CGM for LT diet and HT SBM and HT CGM for HT diet. Two hundred forty rainbow trout juveniles (7.8 g average body weight) were randomly divided into 12 rectangular 60 L glass aquaria and offered four different diets in triplicate. Fish were fed at satiation twice a day, six days a week for 12 weeks. Phosphorus in phytic acid level of extruded ingredients decreased through extrusion cooking. Final weight, weight gain, SGR and PER of fish fed HT diet were significantly (p < .05) higher than those fed with NE diet. Apparent digestibility coefficient for protein of LT and HT diets is significantly higher than of NE diet. The results of this study demonstrated that HT extruded SBM and CGM are suitable feed ingredients for rainbow trout diet without compromising fish growth, feed utilization and fish body composition.     

Evaluation of growth performance and intestinal barrier function in Arctic Charr (Salvelinus alpinus) fed yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), fungi (Rhizopus oryzae) and blue mussel (Mytilus edulis)

Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus) were fed for 99 days on experimental diets with 40% of fish meal replaced, on a crude protein basis, with intact yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) (ISC), extracted yeast (ESC), Rhizopus oryzae fungus (RHO) or de‐shelled blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) (MYE). The fish were evaluated for growth performance, nutrient digestibility and fish intestinal function. Growth performance, retention of crude protein and sum of amino acids were not affected in fish fed diets ISC or MYE compared with those fed the reference (REF) diet. However, fish fed diet ISC displayed decreased digestibility of crude protein and indispensable amino acids and decreased intestinal barrier function compared with fish fed the REF diet. Fish fed diet ESC exhibited decreased growth performance and protein retention, but had comparable digestibility to fish fed the REF diet. Fish fed diets MYE and RHO showed similar performance in terms of growth, nutrient digestibility and intestinal barrier function. Overall, the results indicated that blue mussel and intact S. cerevisiae yeast are promising protein sources for Arctic charr.     

The effect of dietary protein source (fishmeal vs. plant protein) and non‐starch polysaccharide level on fat digestibility and faecal bile acid loss in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

This study investigated in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) if diet composition and feeding level affect faecal bile acid loss, and whether this reflects on the apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC) of fat. Six diets were formulated with either fishmeal or plant protein as main protein source. This created a contrast in the supply of bile acids, the bile acid precursor cholesterol, taurine and the taurine precursors (methionine + cysteine) involved in bile acid conjugation. For both protein sources, three diets were formulated with increasing inclusion of a non‐starch polysaccharide (NSP)‐rich ingredient mixture (0.0, 82.0 and 164.2 g/kg diet). This aimed at enhancing faecal bile acid loss. Fish were fed both restrictively (1.2% BW/day) and to satiation. A similar fat ADC was found when substituting fishmeal with a plant protein mixture, suggesting that the lower content of bile acids, cholesterol, taurine, methionine and cysteine in the plant‐based diets did not limit fat digestion. Faecal bile acid loss increased alongside dietary NSP level, however, only during satiation feeding and most strongly for fish fed the fishmeal‐based diets. Enhanced faecal bile acid loss was not caused by NSP‐bile acid binding/entrapment, but by an increase in faeces production. During satiation feeding, fat ADC negatively correlated with faecal bile acid loss. From this it is concluded that bile acid availability/synthesis can become limiting for fat digestion in rainbow trout under conditions that enhance faecal bile acid loss (i.e. dietary NSP level and feeding level).     

Growth,nitrogen gain and indispensable amino acid retention of pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus,Holmberg 1887) fed different brewers yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) levels

A feeding‐and‐digestibility trials were carried out to evaluate the efficacy of replacing fishmeal with brewers yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae in diets of pacu, Piaractus mesopotamicus, juveniles. The feeding trial was conducted during 54 days with 450 fish (26.6 ± 1.7 g) testing six isonitrogenous (270 g kg^?1 crude protein) and isoenergetic (19 MJ kg^?1 crude energy) diets, with increasing yeast level to replace 0 (control), 30, 35, 50, 70 or 100% of dietary fishmeal. Growth performance and feed utilization increased with increasing dietary yeast level until 50% fishmeal replacement. Protein retention efficiency was higher in fish fed 35 and 50%. Protein digestibility and the fillet hue (the red/green chromaticity) were not significantly different among all treatments. Nitrogen gains were significantly improved in fish fed 35% replacement diet compared to fish fed the control diet. The retentions of indispensable amino acids tended to increase with increasing dietary yeast levels, with maximum retention at 35–50%. On the basis of our results, replacing 50% fishmeal by yeast in pacu diets successfully improved feed efficiency and growth performance, and reduced nitrogen losses, thereby reducing the nitrogen outputs from fish farms.     

Effects of dietary yeast inclusion and acute stress on postprandial plasma free amino acid profiles of dorsal aorta‐cannulated rainbow trout

In a 4‐week experiment, 15 cannulated rainbow trout were fed three diets based on fish meal (FM), Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast (SC) and Wickerhamomyces anomalus and S. cerevisiae yeast mix (WA). Fish were fed daily, and blood samples were collected on day 7 of each week at 0, 3, 6, 12 and 24 hr after feeding. In the final week, fish were exposed to a 1‐min netting stressor. All essential and non‐essential plasma amino acid levels except methionine were similar between fish fed diets FM, SC and WA. Plasma methionine and sarcosine were significantly higher in fish fed diets SC and WA, possibly due to the crystalline methionine level, form or feeding regime. Hydroxy‐proline and 3‐methyl‐histidine were higher in fish fed diet FM, which can be explained by the higher levels present in fish meal compared with yeast. In stressed fish, there were no dietary effects on plasma amino acid levels, but significant increases in taurine and cystathionine were found in stressed compared with unstressed fish. These results demonstrate that yeast‐based diets produce similar plasma amino acid profiles to fish meal and suggest that yeast may be a suitable fish meal replacement in diets for rainbow trout.     

Effect and interaction of rainbow trout strain (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and diet type on growth and nutrient retention

Eight strains of rainbow trout were introgressed to develop a single strain (H‐ARS) that was selected for faster growth when fed a fishmeal‐free, plant‐based diet (Selection Diet). For four generations, families from these crosses were fed the Selection Diet and selected for increased weight gain. Growth and nutrient retention were compared among H‐ARS and two parental strains, the House Creek (HSC) and Fish Lake (FL) fed either a fish meal or Selection diet for 12 weeks. There was a significant effect of strain (P < 0.01), but not diet on weight gain, and a significant interaction of strain by diet (P < 0.05). The H‐ARS trout gained more weight averaged across diet (991% of initial wt.) than the HC (924%) or FL trout (483%). The FL trout fed the fish meal diet gained more weight than FL trout fed the selection diet (510% vs 456%). Conversely, H‐ARS trout fed the plant‐based diet gained more weight than those fed the fish meal diet (1009% vs 974%). HSC trout had similar weight gain fed either diet (922% vs 926%). A significant effect of strain on protein retention (P < 0.01) was observed, along with a significant strain by diet interaction (P < 0.02). The results demonstrate that rainbow trout can be selectively improved to grow on a plant‐based diet.     

Utilization of unprocessed and fibre‐reduced oilseed cakes of rapeseed and sunflower seed in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss W.) nutrition—Evaluation of apparent digestibility and growth performance

Two digestibility trials were carried out to determine the apparent digestibility coefficients (ADCs) for crude protein (CP), crude lipid (CL) and energy of unprocessed and two differently processed fibre‐reduced rapeseed and sunflower seed oil cakes (sieved oilseed cakes and oilseed cakes produced from partially dehulled seeds) in rainbow trout (40 fish per tank; four tanks per diet). Each trial was followed by a 63‐day growth trial, wherein the respective oilseed cakes with the highest ADCs were evaluated as fishmeal substitutes, based on digestible CP. Oilseed cakes of rapeseeds and sunflower seeds had low nutrient ADCs (Trial 1). Nonetheless, the protein in rapeseed cake was able to replace up to 10% of the fishmeal protein in a diet without negatively affecting performance traits (Trial 2). Fibre reduction increased the ADCs of both types of oilseed cakes substantially (Trial 3). However, when fish were fed diets with 0%, 25% and 50% fishmeal protein replaced with dehulled rapeseed or dehulled sunflower seed cake protein, performance traits decreased with increasing substitution levels (Trial 4). Nonetheless, the amount of fishmeal needed per unit weight gain was lower for all fish fed the diets containing either one of the dehulled oilseed cakes than for the reference diets.     

The potential of soya oil industry products as oil alternatives in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) diet

This study investigated the effects of different soya oil products on growth, nutrient digestibility, and fatty acid composition of muscle in rainbow trout. The products’ ingredients were soap stock, fat powder, crude oil, and refined soya oil as a control. Four experimental diets were formulated by addition of 12 % of each of the four ingredients to a basal diet. Replacement of refined soya oil by the soya oil products did not influence growth performance until 8 weeks (P > 0.05). This replacement, however, reduced fat digestibility in rainbow trout (83.7 vs. 73.3–79.8 %; P < 0.05). Dietary inclusions of fat powder and crude oil led to larger values of protein digestibility than those of refined soya oil and soap stock (P < 0.05). The compositions of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids of the muscle were similar, but linoleic acid concentration (LA, 18: 2n-6) increased in fish muscle fed refined soya oil compared to the other diets (37 vs. 30–31 %; P < 0.05). Arachidonic acid (ArA, 20: 4n-6) concentration was higher (P < 0.05) in fish fed both fat powder and soap stock than those fed the other diets. In conclusion, refined soya oil can be replaced by soya oil products in rainbow trout diet with no negative impacts on the growth. However, fish fed on diet containing refined soya oil had higher concentration of LA and lower density of ArA. It appears that rainbow trout is capable of digesting soya oil products though the digestibility rate reduced slightly with an increase in saturated fatty acid content.     

Partial or total replacement of fishmeal by solvent-extracted cottonseed meal in diets for juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

The effect of solvent‐extracted cottonseed meal (SCSM) as a partial or total replacement of fishmeal was studied in juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Six experimental diets SCSM0, SCSM25, SCSM50, SCSM75, SCSM75A and SCSMT, containing a gradient of SCSM 0, 152, 305, 465, 460 and 610 g kg^?1 to replace 0, 112.5, 225, 337.5, 337.5 and 450 g kg^?1 fishmeal protein were fed to triplicate groups (initial body weight of 39.2 ± 0.1 g) for 8 weeks. The diet SCSM75A was supplemented with lysine and methionine, to be similar to SCSM0 for juvenile rainbow trout. Faeces were colleted after 4 weeks of normal feeding for apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC) of dry matter, crude protein and gross energy determination. Total replacement of fishmeal adversely affected growth performance. Fish fed with diet SCSMT had significantly (P < 0.05) lower weight gain, specific growth ratio, feed conversion efficiency (FCE) and protein efficiency ratio than fish fed with other diets. The FCE of SCSM75 and SCSM75A were significantly lower (P < 0.05) than those of fish fed with SCSM0 diets. The ADC of the dry matter of SCSM75 and SCSMT were significantly lower than the SCSM0 diet, and the ADC of crude protein and the energy of SCSMT were the lowest (P < 0.05). The ADC of threonine, proline, alanine, valine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine and methionine of fish fed with diet SCSMT were lower. Lysine and methionine supplement positively affected the ADC of SCS75A diet. There were no significant differences in the fish body composition. It is shown that SCSM can be utilized in the juvenile rainbow trout diet up to 305 g kg^?1, to replace about 50% of fishmeal protein in this experiment.     

A comparison of the digestibility of lupin (Lupinus sp.) kernel meals as dietary protein resources when fed to either, rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss or red seabream, Pagrus auratus

The nutritional value of the kernel meals of three species of lupin (Lupinus albus, L. angustifolius and L. luteus) was compared against each other and solvent extracted soya bean meal and wheat gluten, when fed to either rainbow trout or red seabream. The digestible nutrient and energy values were determined for each ingredient, based on the diet substitution digestibility method. Each test ingredient was included in test diets at 300 g kg^?1. As different faecal collection methods were used on each species, only ingredient comparisons within each fish species study are valid. Protein digestibility for all lupin kernel meals was significantly better than for soya bean meal when fed to red seabream, although only numerically so when fed to rainbow trout. The highest protein digestibility in both fish species was that from the wheat gluten (100.0% for both rainbow trout and red seabream). Energy digestibility for each of the lupin kernel meals (range 62.4%–64.9% in rainbow trout and 60.9%–69.5% in red seabream) was less than that obtained from soya bean meal (75.1% and 81.0% for rainbow trout and red seabream, respectively). However, the higher gross energy content of the lupin kernel meals still resulted in both L. albus and L. luteus providing equivalent levels of digestible energy as that of soya bean meal. Organic matter digestibility was generally poorer for each of the lupin kernel meals relative to that for the soya bean meal and particularly compared with the wheat gluten. Phosphorus digestibility was significantly better in all lupin kernel meals than that from both the soya bean meal and wheat gluten. Highest phosphorus digestibility was that obtained from L. albus kernel meal (100.0% for both rainbow trout and red seabream) although notably the phosphorus digestibility of all lupin kernel meals when fed to rainbow trout was determined at 100%. Similarly the digestibility of phosphorus from lupin kernel meals fed to red seabream was also very high. This study supported the good nutritional value to both rainbow trout and red seabream of kernel meals of all three species of lupin, although the digestible nutrient attributes of kernel meal from L. luteus were particularly favourable.     

An evaluation of pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) testes meal in diets for pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei): effect on palatability,digestibility and growth performance

This study compared the nutritional profiles of menhaden fishmeal and pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) testes meal and investigated the nutritional values of the testes meal based on its effect on palatability, digestibility and growth performance of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). The testes meal replaced 0–91% of fishmeal protein in a control diet containing 150 g kg⁻¹ fishmeal. Replacement of 69% of the fishmeal protein in the control diet significantly increased feed intake of shrimp from 0.61% to 1.10%. The apparent digestibility coefficient of dietary protein increased significantly when 91% of the fishmeal protein was replaced by the testes meal. Replacement of dietary fishmeal protein with up to 46% testes meal protein did not cause adverse effects on growth rate or nutritional composition of tail muscle. However, growth rate was significantly decreased in shrimp fed diets in which 69% or 91% of fishmeal protein was replaced by the testes meal. Results of this study indicate that the testes meal can be used as a feed additive to enhance the palatability and protein digestibility of low fishmeal diets for shrimp. It can replace up to 46% of fishmeal protein without any adverse effect on the growth performance of shrimp.     

Salmon testes meal as a functional feed additive in fish meal and plant protein‐based diets for rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum) and Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) fry

Fishery processing by‐products are a large resource from which to produce fishmeal and other products for a variety of uses. In this study, testes meal (TM) produced from pink salmon processing by‐product was evaluated as a functional ingredient in aquafeeds. Nile tilapia and rainbow trout fry were fed five isonitrogenous and isoenergetic experimental diets for 4 and 9 weeks respectively. Two diets were fishmeal‐based (FM) and three were plant protein‐based (PP). Salmon TM was added to the FM and PP diets at 7% to replace 20% of fishmeal protein (FMTM and PPTM respectively). An additional control diet was prepared in which fishmeal was added to the PP diet to supply an equivalent amount of protein as supplied by TM (PPFM). Inclusion of TM in both the FM‐ and PP‐based diets resulted in higher final body weights, although differences were only significant between rainbow trout fed FM or FMTM diets. Similar differences were calculated for other indices of fish performance, e.g. specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency ratio and protein retention efficiency. Feed intake was significantly higher for fish fed FMTM compared with FM in rainbow trout. For tilapia, final weights were numerically higher, but not significantly different for fish fed diets containing TM compared with non‐TM diets (FM vs. FMTM; PP vs. PPTM). Performance of trout or tilapia fed the PPFM diet did not increase compared with the PP diet. The results indicate that TM addition to both FM and PP diets increased feed intake and also increased metabolic efficiency, demonstrating that TM can be a functional ingredient in aquafeeds.     

High‐oil residue camelina meal,a viable source of protein at low levels in diets for juvenile salmonids

The oilseed Camelina sativa has been studied as a lipid source for farmed salmonids, but recommended inclusion as a protein source has not been determined. This study evaluated low inclusion of camelina high‐oil residue meal (HORM) at 20, 40 and 60 g/kg of the diet, to determine an adequate level for Atlantic salmon parr (Salmo salar) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Salmon and trout were fed experimental diets containing up to 60 g/kg HORM for 16 weeks. At 40 g/kg HORM, trout and salmon growth performance were similar to those fed a control diet. However, at 60 g/kg HORM, trout showed lower final weight, weight gain and feed intake than those fed the control diet. Rainbow trout fed 40 and 60 g/kg HORM showed significantly lower whole body ash (p = .005), slightly lower whole body protein levels and higher fat than the control. In salmon fed 60 g/kg HORM diets, whole body ash (p = .024), and the submucosal layer of the intestine was thicker than the control (p = .007). Current results indicate that up to 40 g/kg HORM can be included in diets for rainbow trout and salmon juveniles.     

Optimizing zinc supplementation levels of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fed practical type fishmeal‐ and plant‐based diets

Rainbow trout (23.1 ± 0.4 g) were fed either a fishmeal‐ or plant‐based diet supplemented with various levels of zinc (0, 15, 30, 60 or 120 mg kg^?1) for 12 weeks. Trout fed the fishmeal diet had significantly higher weight gain than with the plant‐based diet. Zinc supplementation in the fishmeal diet had no effect on growth performance, suggesting that additional dietary supplementation of zinc is not required. However, in trout fed the plant‐based diet, growth increased significantly up to 30 mg kg^?1 zinc after which growth was not affected. Trout fed the plant‐based diet containing no zinc exhibited severe growth retardation, and in fish fed the 0 and 15 mg kg^?1 zinc diets, cataracts were present. Use of broken‐line quadratic modelling suggests that dietary supplementation of zinc needed to prevent deficiency and promote adequate growth in rainbow trout fed the plant‐based diet in this study was 30.1 mg kg^?1 (80 mg kg^?1 total dietary zinc). This is higher than the NRC (2011, Nutrient Requirements of Fish and Shrimp) dietary recommended level of 15 mg kg^?1 for rainbow trout. Following the NRC recommendation could lead to zinc deficiency in rainbow trout fed a plant‐based diet.     

Partial to total replacement of fishmeal by poultry by‐product meal in diets for juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and their effect on fatty acids from muscle tissue and the time required to retrieve the effect

Triplicate groups of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) (1.4 ± 0.1 g) were fed experimental diets containing four levels of protein substitution to totally replace fishmeal with poultry by‐product meal (0, 33, 67 and 100%). Fishmeal (FM) from tuna fish by‐products and poultry by‐product meal ‘pet food grade' (PBM) were used. Diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous (43.5% crude protein) and isolipidic (12.5% crude fat). After 80 days of feeding, no significant differences were found in terms of thermal unit growth coefficient (TGC). However, the EPA levels in muscle tissue among treatments 0PBM, 24PBM and 44PBM were found to be significantly higher than those for the 59PBM diet. Nevertheless, a re‐feeding period with the control diet showed that 28 days was long enough to regain the FA profile needed. We concluded that PBM used up to 44% in diets for juvenile rainbow trout can be used without a significantly decrease in EPA and DHA under the present conditions. The use of a whole fishmeal diet could be an important strategy to recuperate the fatty acid profile obtained when trout is feed on PBM basis. It will be important to perform longer experiments with larger fish to confirm these results.     

Alternative formulations for gilthead seabream diets: Towards a more sustainable production

To support the expected increase in aquaculture production during the next years, a wider range of alternative ingredients to fishmeal is needed, towards contributing to an increase in production sustainability. This study aimed to test diets formulated with non‐conventional feed ingredients on gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) growth performance, feed utilization, apparent digestibility of nutrients and nutrient outputs to the environment. Four isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets were formulated: a control diet (CTRL) similar to a commercial feed and three experimental diets containing, as main protein sources, plant by‐products, glutens and concentrates (PLANT); processed animal proteins (PAP); or micro/macroalgae, insect meals and yeast (EMERG). Diets were tested in triplicate during 80 days. The EMERG treatment resulted in lower fish growth performance, higher FCR and lower nutrient and energy retentions than the other treatments. The lowest protein digestibility was found for the EMERG diet, which caused increased nitrogen losses. The PLANT and PAP treatments resulted in better fish growth performance, higher nutrient and energy retentions, and lower FCR than the CTRL treatment. The significant improvement in FCR found for fish fed PLANT and PAP diets and the high protein digestibility of these diets contribute towards minimizing the environmental impacts of seabream production.     

Effects of fish oil and partial fish meal substitution with oilseed oils and meals on growth performance, nutrient utilization and health of the rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss

A feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effects of the replacement of dietary fish meal and fish oil with oilseed meals (soybean or canola) and canola oil on growth, nutrient utilization, body composition, diet digestibility and hematological parameters of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss. Seven diets were used; the control diet (designated FM) contained fish meal and fish oil as the main protein and lipid sources. For the experimental diets, 40% of fish meal protein was substituted with soybean meal, canola meal or a soybean/canola meal mixture, and these diets (designated SM, CM and SCM, respectively) contained fish oil as the lipid source. Three additional diets (SM?+?CO, CM?+?CO and SCM?+?CO) were formulated with the same vegetable protein meals but with fish oil replaced by canola oil. Fish were fed twice daily to apparent satiation for 11?weeks. The growth of fish fed the CM?+?CO diet was significantly lower than that of fish fed the FM, SCM, SM?+?CO and SCM?+?CO diets. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly better in fish fed the FM and SCM?+?CO diets than in fish fed the CM and CM?+?CO diets. Furthermore, feed intake was significantly lower for fish fed the CM?+?CO diet than in fish fed the SCM diet, and lipid digestibility of the CM?+?CO diet was significantly lower than that of all other diets. No significant differences of body composition were observed. Circulating leukocyte levels, leukocyte ratios and serum lysozyme activity remained unaffected by dietary treatment. However, it was observed that fish fed the CM?+?CO diet displayed hematocrit levels significantly lower (P?<?0.05) than that of fish fed the other diets. The results indicate that when diets contain either fish oil or canola oil, canola meal and soybean meal can be incorporated into rainbow trout feeds at a combined 32% inclusion level (replacing 40% of fish meal protein) without inducing significant negative effects on growth, nutrient utilization or health.     

Evaluation of ingredient combinations from differing origins (fishmeal,terrestrial animal and plants) and two different formulated nutrient targets on rainbow trout growth and production efficiency

A 12‐week trial was performed with rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) utilizing combinations of ingredients at two nutrient targets. Ingredient combinations were fishmeal‐based diet (FMD), animal product‐based diet (APD), plant product‐based diet (PPD), novel plant‐based diet (NPD) and potential future plant‐based diet (FPD). Two nutrient concentrations were targeted: 1) to meet published amino acid targets for rainbow trout utilizing approximately 450 g/kg crude protein (400–420 g/kg digestible protein) and 2) to meet the amino acid targets based on ideal amino acid balance of trout muscle for Lys, Met and Thr utilizing approximately 400 g/kg crude protein (370–380 g/kg digestible protein). Interactive effects between ingredient combination and nutrient concentration occurred across all response variables. When diets were formulated to Target 1, fish consuming FMD and APD displayed better weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR) than plant‐based diet, while graded effects were found within the plant‐based treatments. When differing ingredient combinations were utilized and formulated to Target 2, fish grew equally well except for the NPD treatment which supported lower growth and higher FCR. Based on the data from the current experiment, one can completely remove fishmeal from trout feeds and reduce protein levels when dietary digestible amino acids are balanced.     

Evaluation of dietary natural mineral materials as an antibiotic replacer on growth performance,non‐specific immune responses and disease resistance in rainbow trout,Oncorhynchus mykiss

We evaluated the effects of some dietary natural mineral materials as an antibiotic replacer based on growth performance, non‐specific immune responses and disease resistance in juvenile and subadult rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss. First experiment, juvenile rainbow trout averaging 2.7 ± 0.02 g (mean ± SD) were fed one of the six experimental diets; a basal commercial diet as a control (CON), CON with oxytetracycline (OTC), with yellow loess (YL), with Macsumsuk^® (MS), with Song‐Gang^® stone (SG) and with barley stone (BS) at 0.4% of each diet. At the end of 8‐week feeding trial, weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR), feed efficiency (FE) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) of fish fed YL diet were significantly higher than those of fish fed CON diet. Non‐specific immune responses such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), myeloperoxidase (MPO), lysozyme (LYS) activity and oxidative radical production of fish fed YL diet were higher than those of fish fed CON diet. At the end of 15 days of challenge test with Aeromonas salmonicida, average cumulative survival rate of fish fed YL diet was significantly higher than that of fish fed BS and CON diets. However, there were no significant differences among fish fed YL, SG and OTC diets. Second experiment, subadult rainbow trout averaging 261.5 ± 3.5 g (mean ± SD) were fed one of the four experimental diets for 22 weeks: CON, and CON with OTC, YL or SG at 0.4% of each diet. At the end of feeding, growth performance of fish fed SG and YL diets was significantly higher than that of fish fed CON diet. Non‐specific immune responses in terms of SOD, MPO, LYS and NBT of fish fed SG and YL diets were significantly higher than those of fish fed CON diet. However, there were no significant differences among the fish fed YL, SG and OTC diets. The results indicate that dietary yellow loess or Song‐gang^® stone at 0.4% of diet could replace oxytetracycline in juvenile and subadult rainbow trout.     

Availability of essential amino acids,nutrient utilisation and growth in juvenile black tiger shrimp,Penaeus monodon,following fishmeal replacement by plant protein

Two trials with juvenile black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) were undertaken to study the effects of replacing fishmeal by different levels of plant proteins on growth performances and nutrient utilisation of shrimp in semi-intensive conditions (Expt. 1) and on the availability of dietary nitrogen (N) and amino acids (Expt. 2). Five isoproteic diets (on crude protein basis) were formulated to contain 34, 24, 16, 8, or 0% fishmeal, with fishmeal being replaced by a mixture of plant protein (corn gluten meal, wheat gluten, and rapeseed meal). In Expt. 1, the shrimp (initial body weight, IBW 1.5 ± 0.1 g) were reared in earthen ponds for 144 days and fed one of the experimental diets. Apparent digestibility of nutrients and AA were assessed in Expt. 2, using 150 L tanks and shrimp of 12.8 ± 0.4 g IBW. After 144 days in grow-out ponds, shrimp fed the diet with 24% of fishmeal had similar growth as those fed the control diet containing 34% fishmeal (0% replacement). When 50% or more of the fishmeal were replaced, weight gain as well as N and energy gains significantly decreased. Digestibility of dry matter, protein and energy was also significantly lower in all fishmeal-replaced diets. In particular, leucine digestibility decreased by 26% at 100% replacement, which was significantly correlated to an increased incorporation of corn gluten meal. Our data confirm the need to improve our knowledge on AA availability and raw material quality in order to improve fishmeal replacement in P. monodon diets.