The influence of feeding rate on growth, feed efficiency and body composition of juvenile grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)

An 8 weeks growth study was conducted to estimate the optimal feeding rate for juvenile grass carp (3.08±0.03 g, mean ± SD). Fish were fed with a casein purified diet (360 g protein, 56 g lipid and 3000 kcal total energy/kg dry diet) at six feeding rates: 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5% body weight per day (BW d⁻¹). Each feeding rate was randomly assigned to three tanks of fish with 30 fish per tank (50W × 50H × 100L, cm). Fish were maintained in recirculating systems at a water temperature of 24.97±2.23 °C and were fed four times per day. After 2 weeks, fish fed on 3.5% BW d⁻¹ could not finish the diet and this treatment was cut-off. Analysis of variance showed that growth performance was significantly (p<0.05) affected by different feeding rates. The nutrient compositions of whole body, muscle and liver were also significantly different among treatments. The body weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR), feed efficiency (FE), protein efficiency ratio (PER), apparent digestibility coefficiency (ADC), retention of protein (PR), mesenteric fat index, body moisture and protein content were significantly (p<0.05) affected by feeding rate. The WG, SGR and digestion rate were highest at 2% BW d⁻¹, although the FE and PER decreased with increasing feeding rate. Broken line analysis on specific growth rate indicated that the optimum feeding rate of juvenile grass carp is 1.97% body weight day⁻¹.     

Optimization of Feeding Rate for Hatchery-Produced Juvenile Gilthead Sea Bream Sparus aurata

Abstract.— A 61-d growth trial (five 11-d feeding periods) was conducted to determine the effects of feeding rate on growth, feed utilization, morphology, and body composition of the gilthead sea bream Sparus aurata . Gilthead sea bream juveniles with an average initial body weight of 3 g were fed a commercial diet (51% crude protein, 11% crude fat) at rates of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, or 3.0% of their body weight (BW) per day in two equal meals. Water temperature was approximately 21.4 C throughout the experiment. Each ration was administered to triplicate groups of 60 fish, with ration readjusted every 11 d. Growth rate was measured as specific growth rate (SGR). Survival rate and coefficient of variation did not differ significantly among the groups fed different rates. Body weight, condition factor, and hepatosomatic and viscerosomat-ic indices displayed significant increases with increasing feeding rate from 0.5 to 3.0% BW/d. Fish fed 0.5% BW/d had significantly higher moisture and ash and lower protein contents than those fed at higher rates. Moisture and protein contents were not significantly different for fish fed at the highest feeding rates (2.0, 2.5, and 3.0% BW/d). Lipid contents increased significantly with increasing feeding rate from 0.5 to 3.0% BW/d. The SGR showed a curvilinear significant increase when the feeding rate was increased from 0.5 to 3.0% BW/d. Feed efficiency (FE) increased significantly to a maximum value with increasing feeding rate from 0.5 to 2.0% BW/d and decreased significantly with increasing feeding rate from 2.5 to 3.0% BW/d. Based on the data obtained, feeding rates of 2.3% and 0.6% BW/d are recommended as optimum and maintenance rations, respectively.     

Effects of phytase pretreatment of soybean meal and phytase-sprayed in diets on growth, apparent digestibility coefficient and nutrient excretion of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum)

Rainbow trout were fed a diet containing phytase-sprayed and phytase-pretreated soybean meal with different phytase levels. The single factor random block design was used to analyze the effects on rainbow trout of dietary phytase supplementation on growth performance, nutritional ingredient digestibility and nutrient excretion. After 90 days, the results showed that feed conversion ratio (FCR) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) were significantly improved and specific growth rate (SGR) was not affected by spraying phytase, but SGR, FCR and PER were not significantly improved by phytase pretreatment. A digestibility trial conducted after the feeding trial showed that apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC) of diet protein and minerals was increased with phytase supplementation. However, there was a negative effect of phytase on the ADC of lipid. The excretion experiment showed that the supplementation of phytase resulted in decreased nutrient excretion in feces, but lipid excretion was slightly increased with phytase supplementation. In addition, the results of P excretion and ADC of P analyzed by t-test showed that phytase pre-treatment method should be a more rational method than the spraying method. The results of SGR, ADC of P and P excretion analyzed by quadratic regression indicated that 2,000–3,000 U/kg levels by the spraying method could be a rational range of phytase supplementation, and about 1,000 U/kg should be an optimal level by the pretreatment method. Thus, use of phytase in rainbow trout feeds can have economic and environmental benefits.     

High dietary incorporation levels of rendered animal protein ingredients on performance of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum, 1972)

Two growth trials were conducted using spray-dried blood meal (BM), feather meal (FEM), meat and bone meal (MBM) and poultry by-product meal (PBM) as major protein sources in the diet of rainbow trout. In the first trial, five diets were formulated to examine the nutritive value of spray-dried BM and PBM. Increasing levels of BM (6, 12%) or PBM (10, 20, and 30%) replaced fish meal and corn gluten meal in the diet. For the second trial, eight diets were formulated to contain the following combinations: FEM + MBM, FEM + PBM or MBM + PBM. The diets containing FEM + MBM and FEM + PBM were supplemented with either L-lysine or DL-methionine, the amino acids predicted to be the two most limiting in these diets. Each experimental diet was allocated to three tanks of fish and fed for 20 weeks in the first trial or 16 weeks in the second trial. All the experimental diets were readily consumed by the fish and high growth and good feed efficiency ratio (FER) were achieved for all diets. In the first trial, there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in weight gain or FER of fish fed the five experimental diets, suggesting that BM and PBM had high nutritive values for rainbow trout. In the second trial, growth of the fish fed the diet containing the FEM + PBM combination was not statistically different from growth of fish fed the control diet. Growth of fish fed diets with FEM + MBM or PBM + MBM combinations were slightly lower than that of fish fed the control diet. Supplementation of diets with either L-lysine or DL-methionine had no effect on the performance of the fish. The results from this study show that feather meal, poultry by-product meal, blood meal and meat and bone meal have good potential for use in rainbow trout diets at high levels of incorporation.     

Preventing discoloration and lipid oxidation in dark muscle of yellowtail by feeding an extract prepared from mushroom (Flammulina velutipes) cultured medium

Groups of 0+ Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) smolts were transferred to duplicate seawater tanks, and subjected to five different ration levels, 0% (starved), 25%, 50%, 75% or 100% (full fed). Waste feed was collected after each meal. After six weeks all groups were re-fed in excess. During the trial period body weight and length increased significantly in the 50, 75 and 100% groups, while no significant changes in body weight were observed in the 0% and 25% groups. A significant decrease in SGR was observed in the 0 and 25% groups during the first month in sea water. After re-feeding, SGR increased in all groups. All groups, except the previously starved group, showed peak SGR between weeks 6–8 and 8–12. Food restriction at 0% and 25% of full ration for a period of six weeks resulted in significant osmotic disturbances. After six weeks in sea water, plasma Cl⁻ levels were higher in the 0% group than in the other groups. Branchial Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase activity increased in all groups following exposure to seawater. Re-feeding caused a transient increase in branchial Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase activity after two weeks in the previously starved group, with a concurrent reduction in plasma Cl⁻ levels. Previous exposure to different ration levels significantly influenced growth rate and mean body size. Compensatory growth and partial size compensation was seen in the 0, 25 and 50% feed deprivation groups, whereas full size compensation was found in the 75% group.     

Use of solvent extracted sunflower seed meal in complete diets for fingerling rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri Richardson)

A preliminary 150-day feeding trial was conducted with fingerling rainbow trout to ascertain the nutritive value of solvent extracted sunflower seed meal as a dietary replacement for solvent extracted soybean meal and wheat meal (1.75–2.14 : 1) within a practical trout ration. The dietary level of soybean meal and wheat meal was reduced from 15% and 16.5% to 0% and 9.5% respectively and the level of sunflower seed meal increased from 0% to 22% with no adverse effect on overall growth performance or feed utilisation efficiency. Although growth at the highest level of sunflower seed meal tested (36.5%) was equivalent to that of fish fed the control soybean ration, supplementation of an equivalent sunflower seed meal diet with 0.2% exogenous L-methionine resulted in no beneficial effect on fish growth and feed utilisation efficiency.     

Effects of the partial substitution of dietary fish meal by two types of soybean meals on the growth performance of juvenile Japanese seabass,Lateolabrax japonicus (Cuvier 1828)

The effect of partial substitution of dietary fish meal with a high‐value soybean meal (HVS) and a commercial soybean meal (CSM) on the growth performance in juvenile Japanese seabass (8.3±0.2 g body weight) was determined. Nine isonitrogenous (crude protein 44%) and isoenergetic (20 kJ g^?1) practical diets replacing 0 (the control), 15%, 30%, 45% and 60% fish meal protein by soybean meal protein (HVS or CSM) were formulated. Each diet was randomly assigned to four replicate cages (1.5 × 1.5 × 2.0 m). Fish were fed twice daily for 10 weeks. Growth was significantly reduced with increased soybean inclusion in fish fed both the soybean sources. Independent of the soybean source used, increased inclusion of soybean meal decreased the growth performance. When the substitution level was 45% or more in CSM and 60% in HVS, the specific growth rate (SGR) and the feed efficiency ratio (FER) were significantly lower compared with the control. These results indicated that CSM protein could substitute for 30% fish meal protein, while the substitution level of HVS protein could be 45%, which did not influence the growth of juvenile Japanese seabass. The higher substitution level for HVS compared with CSM was probably due to better nutritional values.     

Pond and tank feeding trials with carp, Cyprinus carpio L.: gross nutrition, conversion efficiency and cost-effective diets

Abstract. Carp feeding trials were conducted to assess dietary effectiveness in relation to growth rate, cost, conversion ratio, logistics and the contribution of natural pond foods. Overall, trout pellets containing 40% protein were found to be the most effective. In laboratory trials this diet fed at 5% bwd^?1 produced a food conversion ratio (FCR) of 1·99. Another trout food containing 47% protein, fed at the same ration, had a superior FCR and specific growth rate (SGR) but proved more costly because of a poorer protein efficiency ratio (PER). Optimum ration size declined with increasing body size. The mammalian herbivore diets, with higher carbohydrate but low lipid levels, were cheaper to purchase but had poorer SGRs and FCRs. Some evidence of protein sparing occurred with low levels of activated sludge substitution but condition and growth rate declined above the 20% substitution level probably due to increasing heavy metal concentrations. In the pond trials extensive production levels of 300–350 kg ha^?1year^?1 arose from zooplankton consumption. The associated SGR was around 1·70 and the FCR was calculated at 1·64 (dw) assuming 47% utilization of the zooplankton. Higher levels of production (1400–2200 kg ha^?1year^?1) occurred with supplementary feeding with SGRs at 1·78–2·35. The contribution of natural food was slight in intensive rearing. An FCR of 2·01 was found with trout pellets and an estimated 6·3 with barley.     

Influence of the combination of time of feeding and ration level on the diurnal hormone rhythms in rainbow trout

The study examined the combined effects of time of feeding (post-dawn, midday-pre-dusk) and ration level (1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5%) on the diurnal rhythms of plasma growth hormone (GH), L-thyroxine (T₄), triiodo-L-thyronine (T₃), cortisol and glucose concentrations in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) maintained under constant ambient water temperature and natural photoperiod.Plasma GH and glucose concentrations exhibited marked diurnal rhythms, with significant postprandial peaks that were phase-shifted with time of feeding. The ration level did not appear to alter these feeding time-entrained rhythms, but the amplitude of the changes (peaks) were more pronounced in trout fed the higher ration levels. Plasma cortisol concentrations showed distinct diurnal rhythms, with peaks during the photophase and the scotophase in all the treatment groups. The time of feeding did not appear to influence these rhythms, and there was no evidence of a postprandial increase in any group.Plasma GH, cortisol and glucose concentrations were significantly higher in groups fed the 2.5% ration compared with animals fed either 1.5 or 2.0% rations.The diurnal rhythms of plasma T₄ concentrations were not affected by the time of feeding or ration level; the peak values generally occurred during the photophase in all the treatment groups. Plasma T₃ concentrations did not show any significant diurnal patterns, nor were they influenced by ration levels or time of feeding.To whom correspondence should be addressed     

Protein synthesis in trout liver is stimulated by both feeding and fasting

The response of protein synthesis in the liver of the rainbow trout to feeding and fasting was investigated in 3 experiments. In the first experiment, the fractional rate of protein synthesis (k _s ), %/day) appeared to cycle with daily feeding events being increased by 46%, 123%, and 72% at 1.5h, 3h, and 6h, after a meal. In Experiment 2, liver protein synthesis fell progressively with fasting to a basal level at 4d which was only 20% of the value at 3h after feeding. Liver weight (hepatosomatic index, HSI, % body weight), total RNA and total protein also fell gradually. Between 4d and 6d, both the RNA/protein ratio and the rate of protein synthesis were significantly increased (11% and 74%). At this time, however, there was also a large loss of liver protein suggesting a concomitant increase in protein breakdown. In the last experiment, when trout were pre-fed a low ration (0.6%/d for 2 wks, LR group), the HSI and liver total RNA and protein were largely unaffected by the 6d fast (i.e., relative to the body weight). In this group, however, protein synthesis at 3h was significantly higher than in fish pre-fed a high ration (1.5%/d, HR group). In addition, at 6d after feeding, protein synthesis had increased back to fed levels in the LR group only. It is concluded that protein synthesis in the liver of the trout is influenced both by feeding events and by ration size and also by the degree to which the trout is fasted.     

Influence of Ulva meal on growth, feed utilization, and body composition of juvenile Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) at two levels of dietary lipid

A nutrition trial was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary lipid levels and supplemental Ulva meal on growth performance, feed efficiency, nutrient utilization, and body composition of juvenile Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. Four isonitrogenous (CP 40%) diets containing 0% and 5% Ulva meal were formulated to contain 10% (low-lipid; LL) and 20% (high-lipid; HL) crude lipid. Triplicate groups of fish (~10 g) were fed to apparent satiation three times daily for 16 weeks. Fish fed 5% Ulva meal showed an increased growth performance (P < 0.05) compared with fish fed non-Ulva supplemented diets, irrespective of dietary lipid level. In particular, the incorporation of Ulva meal improved specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and protein efficiency ratio (PER). Feeding fish 5% Ulva meal diets resulted in significantly lower carcass lipid content. The results indicate that 5% inclusion of Ulva meal at both dietary lipid levels improves growth performance, feed efficiency, nutrient utilization, and body composition of Nile tilapia.     

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

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

Growth in Arctic charr and rainbow trout fed temporally concentrated or spaced daily meals

The effect on growth of distributing feed over a few hours compared tomore frequent meals was tested on 1+ Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus L.) and 1+ rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum). Triplicate hatchery groups for each treatment were fed at a ration level of 1%/dayeither with few meals (8 times per day divided into morning and evening)or with frequent meals (32 meals equally distributed during the day). Wefound an opposite effect of meal frequency on growth in the two species.Low feeding intensity (8 meals per day) had a significantly positive effecton growth in rainbow trout but a significantly negative effect on growth inArctic charr when compared to feeding the fish frequent meals. Theopposite response to meal frequency is likely to be an effect of thedifferences in activity during feeding. Rainbow trout feed much moreaggressively than charr which can result in feeding being a more stressfulevent. In this experiment, the specific growth rate was lower and the feedconversion ratio higher for Arctic charr compared to rainbow trout.     

An evaluation of the nutritional value of alternative lipid sources to juvenile southern rock lobster, Jasus edwardsii

Experimental lobster feeds are currently based on fish meal and fish oil formulations, and although survival and growth similar to that of lobsters fed fresh blue mussels has been achieved, varying the protein level in previous experimental feeds has not increased growth beyond that of lobsters fed natural food. This experiment assessed the growth performance of lobsters fed pelleted feeds containing constant amounts of protein, lipid and energy where the lipid was provided by a range of oil-rich ingredients (fish oil, FO; fish oil with added soybean lecithin, FOL; canola oil, CO; tuna oil, TO; mussel meal, MM; and squid meal, SQM). Feed performance was assessed by lobster growth rate, survival, final biochemical composition, nutrient retention and nutrient efficiency. Twenty tanks containing 15 post-larval lobsters each (1.5 ± 0.04 g) were randomly allocated one of six test feeds in triplicate, and the two remaining tanks were fed freshly opened blue mussels (FRM) as a reference feed. Lobsters were fed daily to excess for 10 weeks. Final individual weights of whole body and digestive gland were measured, and tissue chemical composition analysed. There were no significant differences in survival (88.4 ± 3.3%), or specific growth rate (1.3 ± 0.1%.day^− 1) among the formulated feed fed lobsters, which were significantly lower than the survival (100 ± 0.0%) and SGR (2.2 ± 0.1%.day^− 1) of FRM fed lobsters. The SQM fed lobsters had a significantly lower lipid efficiency ratio and lipid productivity value than lobsters fed TO, FOL and MM feeds. The digestive gland lipid content (g.100 g wet tissue^− 1) of lobsters fed the feeds TO (3.7 ± 0.4), FO (3.5 ± 0.3) and SQM (2.2 ± 0.2) were significantly lower than lobsters fed feeds MM (9.9 ± 1.1), FOL (9.0 ± 2.3) and FRM fed lobsters contained most digestive gland lipid (12.3 ± 1.5).     

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

ABSTRACT

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

不同饲料蛋白水平下点带石斑鱼对鸡肉粉、羽毛粉和血粉混合物的利用能力

通过10周网箱养殖实验,评价了不同饲料蛋白水平下点带石斑鱼对1种鸡肉粉、羽毛粉和血粉混合物的利用能力。采用2×4实验设计,设2个饲料蛋白水平(490 g/kg和530 g/kg粗蛋白),每个饲料蛋白水平下设4个鱼粉水平,其中1组饲料中加入500 g/kg鱼粉(对照),另外3组饲料中分别加入139、278、416 g/kg的鸡肉粉、羽毛粉和血粉混合物(鸡肉粉∶羽毛粉∶血粉=65∶20∶15)替代对照饲料中30%、60%、90%的鱼粉。实验鱼初始体重为(33.4±0.1) g。实验期间,除恶劣天气外,每天分两次按饱食量投喂实验鱼。实验结果表明,饲料蛋白水平对摄食量、增重,饲料系数、氮储积效率、能量储积效率和鱼体组成无显著影响;饲料鱼粉含量显著影响增重,饲料系数、氮储积效率和能量储积效率,但对摄食量和鱼体组成无显著影响。在相同饲料蛋白水平下,特定生长率(SGR)随鱼粉含量降低而下降;当鱼粉含量相同时,摄食高蛋白饲料的鱼SGR略高于摄食低蛋白饲料的鱼。本实验结果显示,通过添加鸡肉粉、羽毛粉和血粉混合物可将点带石斑鱼饲料鱼粉含量降低到200 g/kg,在490~530 g/kg范围内提高饲料蛋白水平无助于降低点带石斑鱼饲料鱼粉含量。     

First feeding of common wolffish on formulated dry feed diets in a low water-level raceway system

Wolffish (Anarhichos lupus) larvae were first fed in a low water-level raceway system, with two new types of formulated dry feed diets. Water level in the rearing tank was 1.5 cm. The fish showed a high preference for feeding from the surface. During the first week the fish experienced a drop in dry weights. The highest SGR of 5.8% was obtained between day 35–60. The best feeding regime gave a survival rate of 82 (2.5)%. Results indicate failure to initiate feeding as a main cause of mortality in the fed groups. Death by starvation occurred after 30–40 days. It is speculated whether the large difference in growth rates between the two feeding regimens is due to differences in carbohydrate levels between the two feed types. The rearing tank technology proved, with minor adjustments, to be self-cleaning and well suited for first feeding of wolffish.     

Effect of Dietary Lipid Level and Feeding Frequency on the Growth,Feed Utilization,and Body Composition of Juvenile Spotted Seabass,Lateolabrax maculatus

A 6‐wk feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of different dietary lipid levels and feeding frequencies on the growth performance, feed utilization, and body composition of juvenile spotted seabass, Lateolabrax maculatus. Two experimental diets were prepared with two different dietary lipid contents, low lipid (7%; LL) and high lipid (14%; HL). Each diet was fed to triplicate groups of fish (5.5 ± 0.01 g) to apparent satiation at three meals per day, two meals per day, one meal per day, and one meal every 2 d, respectively, for 6 wk. Fish growth performance in terms of weight gain (WG) and specific growth rate (SGR) was significantly affected by frequency of feeding, with increasing values as feeding frequency increased up to twice daily, regardless of dietary lipid content. In addition, fish fed the diet with the HL level (14%) showed significantly higher WG and SGR than those fed the LL diet (7%) at all the feeding frequencies tested. Feed efficiency (FE) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) were affected by both dietary lipid level and feeding frequency. FE and PER values were significantly higher in fish fed the HL diet and/or when fish were fed twice or thrice a day. However, daily feed intake and daily energy intake were significantly affected only by feeding frequency and were significantly reduced when the fish were fed only once every 2 d compared with those fed more frequently. Whole‐body moisture content of fish tended to decrease with increasing dietary lipid level and frequency of feeding. In contrast, whole‐body lipid content increased in fish as dietary lipid level and feeding frequency increased. Consequently, we can conclude that feeding spotted seabass twice daily to apparent satiation is acceptable and sufficient to achieve good growth and FE, as fish performance was not significantly enhanced when feeding was increased from two to three times daily.     

Effect of Artificial Diets on Growth,Survival and Condition of Adult Cuttlefish, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sepia officinalis</Emphasis> Linnaeus, 1758

The effects of artificial diets on growth and body condition of adult cuttlefish, Sepia officinalis were tested in two experiments. Supplemented prepared diets (fish myofibrillar protein concentrate) were fed during a 30-day and a 21-day experiments. Growth, feeding rate and food conversion of group-reared cuttlefish were analyzed. The first of these experiments tested four artificial diets, made with increasing levels of lysine, on adult cuttlefish. According to the chemical analysis, diets 1–3 had limiting concentrations of lysine and other essential amino acids (compared to mantle composition of the cuttlefish), while diet 4 was the only one where almost all essential amino acids were present in concentrations similar or higher than the ones present in cuttlefish mantle. A second experiment was conducted by isolating 16 adult cuttlefish individually, and feeding them the same four artificial diets, in order to obtain individual data. During Experiment 1, only the diet with the best chemical score (diet 4) produced growth (p < 0.05), with a mean instantaneous growth rate (MIGR) of 0.30% wet body weight (BW) d⁻¹. Similarly, individually reared cuttlefish fed diet 4 produced the highest IGR’s (0.26, 0.38 and 0.48% BW d⁻¹) and grew larger (p < 0.01). Comparison of cuttlefish fed the artificial diets vs. thawed shrimp and unfed cuttlefish indicated that cuttlefish fed the artificial diets were in an intermediate state. Growth rates obtained with the artificial diets (<0.4% BW d⁻¹) were considerably lower compared to natural prey, live or frozen, reported by other authors.     

Evaluation of krill (Euphausia superba) meal as a partial replacement for fish meal in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) diets

We studied partial replacement of fish meal (FM) by krill meal (KM) and how fluoride from KM enriched-muscles and bones of rainbow trout reared in freshwater affected these fish. Diets that replaced FM with KM at proportions of 0, 7, 15 and 30% (control, KM7, KM15, and KM30) were fed to groups of rainbow trout for 92 days and growth was observed. In fish fed KM7 and KM15, weight gain (WG), feed intake (FI) and specific growth rate (SGR) were unchanged compared with fish fed the control diet, but in fish fed KM30, WG, FI and SGR significantly decreased. After the experiment, fluoride concentration in dorsal muscles of each experimental group was below the detected limit (1 mg/kg), but in vertebral bones, the fluoride concentration increased with each increase in KM inclusion in the diets: 490 mg/kg (control), 755 mg/kg (KM7), 1100 mg/kg (KM15), and 2400 mg/kg (KM30). Tissue specimens of liver of each experimental group had no histopathological changes. Therefore, accumulation of fluoride in vertebral bones apparently adversely affected growth of the vertebral bones thus affecting the growth performance as shown by the decrease in WG, FI and SGR.