Influences of dietary soy protein concentrate with taurine on growth and biochemical status of Acanthopagrus schlegelii juveniles

Taurine is a component that tends to be deficient in fish diets that contain higher plant‐derivative proteins. Acanthopagrus schlegelii juveniles (IBW ? 11.28 g) were fed nine diets containing SPC levels (SPC40, SPC60, SPC80 and SPC100), or supplemented with 5 g/kg of taurine at each replacement level. Our results showed higher WGR and SGR in SPC60 + TAU (WGR; 224.67, SGR; 2.10) followed by SPC40 + TAU (WGR; 221.75, SGR; 2.09). Phosphorus retention efficiency was significantly raised as the SPC increased when compared with the control diet. Taurine addition showed an incline in the nitrogen retention efficiency. An effect was observed within FR between fish and the SPC content. ADCs of dry matter, crude lipid and phosphorous were affected by SPC, while taurine addition affected only crude lipid. A significant effect was seen in ash and phosphorus by the SPC and taurine. TAU supplementation showed an increased T‐AOC activity in the SPC80 + TAU (1.90), while malondialdehyde and catalase activity were reduced except in completely replaced fish meal groups. It could be concluded that black sea bream can accept the substitution of FM with 60% of SPC while at the inclusion of dietary TAU (5 g/kg) growth could be improved.     

Evaluation of dried fermented biomass as a feed ingredient in plant‐based practical diets for juvenile Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei

Two growth trials were designed to evaluate the utilization of dried fermented biomass (DFB) in commercial type feed formulation for Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei. In trial 1, four experimental diets were formulated to utilize increasing levels (0, 25, 50 and 100 g/kg) of spray‐dried fermented biomass (SDFB) as a replacement of fish meal (FM). Results indicated that SDFB can be utilized up to 50 g/kg as a substitution for FM without causing growth depression in shrimp. However, dietary SDFB supplementation at 100 g/kg significantly reduced the weight gain (WG) of shrimp and increased feed conversion ratio (FCR). This reduction in performance is likely due to palatability or nutrient imbalances of the feed. In trial 2, nine experimental diets were formulated with increasing levels (0, 20, 40, 60 and 120 g/kg) of spray‐dried (S) or granular (G) DFB to replace soy protein concentrate (SPC) or SPC + corn protein concentrate (CPC). This allowed the comparison between spray‐dried and ring‐dried products. Ring drying produced a granular product, reducing dust and increasing product particle size. Shrimp fed with diet containing 20 g/kg GDFB performed the best in terms of final mean weight, WG and FCR. Significantly reduced growth and increased FCR were observed in shrimp fed diets containing 60 and 120 g/kg SDFB. Lipid content of whole body was significantly reduced when GDFB was incorporated at 120 g/kg. No significant differences were detected in survival, protein retention efficiency as well as protein and ash contents of the whole shrimp. Results from analysis of covariance indicated that the processing method (covariant) had a significant effect on final mean weight, WG and FCR. In general, shrimp fed with diet containing granular product performed better as compared to those fed with diets utilizing spray‐dried product. GDFB can be utilized in the diets up to 120 g/kg in practical shrimp feeds as a substitute for SPC and CPC without compromising the growth of shrimp. However, a significant reduction in WG was observed in the diets containing 60 and 120 g/kg SDFB. The results in the current study demonstrate that processing changes to produce a granular product produced an improved feed ingredient for shrimp.     

Effect of dietary replacement of fish meal by soybean protein concentrate on growth performance and phosphorus discharging of juvenile black sea bream,Acanthopagrus schlegelii

The 8‐week experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of partial replacement of fish meal (FM) with soybean protein concentrate (SPC) on juvenile black sea bream, Acanthopagrus schlegelii (10.70 ± 0.04 g). Diets were formulated to replace FM protein by SPC at 0, 8, 16, 24, 32 or 40% (designated as T1, T2, T3, T4, T5 and T6, respectively). Diets except T1 were supplemented with phytase at 2000 phytase activity U kg^?1. The results showed that survival rate, growth performance and feed utilization were not significantly affected by increasing dietary SPC. Fish fed diet T3 had higher feed intake compared to those fed T1, T2 and T5 diets. Whole body compositions of black sea bream were significantly influenced by SPC replacing FM except for protein, ash and phosphorus content. Condition factor of fish was significantly lower in T2 than that of fish in T3 group. Apparent digestibility coefficients (ADCs) of dry matter was higher in fish fed T6 diet than those of fish fed T1 and T2 diets, ADCs of phosphorus increased with dietary SPC level up to T3 and then decreased. The results obtained in this study indicate that FM protein could be effectively replaced by SPC protein with phytase in diet of black sea bream.     

Evaluation of pea proteins and poultry protein as fish meal alternatives in the diets for juvenile black sea bream,Acanthopagrus schlegelii

The potential of three different protein resources (pea protein isolate, PPI; pea protein concentrate, PPC; enzyme treated poultry protein, ETPP) as fish meal (FM) alternative protein in diets for juvenile black sea bream, Acanthopagrus schlegelii. (initial average weight 7.90 ± 0.13 g) was evaluated. Seven isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets were formulated to replace FM at 0% (T0, control diet), 8% (designated as T1‐T3) and 16% (designated as T4‐T6) using PPI, PPC and ETPP respectively. Each diet was randomly assigned to triplicate groups of 25 juvenile fish for 8 weeks. At the end of the feeding period, survival rate was not significantly affected by dietary treatments. Growth performance in T6 (16% ETPP) group was significantly inferior to T0 group, however, weight gain and specific growth rate in other treatments showed no significant differences (P > 0.05). Mean feed intake, feed efficiency ratio and protein efficiency ratio were also poorer in fish fed in T6 than those of fish fed with the control diet respectively. Apparent digestibility coefficients (ADCs) of dry matter and crude protein for fish fed ETPP diets were significant lower than those of fish fed with the control diet, whereas ADCs of lipid were unaffected by dietary treatments. ADC's of dietary Leu, Ile, His and Lys was also significantly influenced. There were no marked variations in proximate compositions of dorsal muscle. With regard to plasma characteristics, significant difference was observed in triacylglycerol content. Ammonia concentration in plasma tended to increase in alternative protein diets as substitution level increased. There were significant differences in aspartate aminotransferase activities among groups, but alanine aminotransferase levels were unaffected by treatments. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that PPI and PPC were potential protein sources for using in juvenile black sea bream diet. However, the substitution level of FM by ETPP should be limited within 16%.     

Partial replacement of fishmeal with corn gluten meal,pea protein isolate and their mixture in diet of black sea bream (Acanthopagrus schlegelii) juveniles: Effects on growth performance,feed utilization and haematological parameters

Corn gluten meal (CGM), pea protein isolate (PPI) and their mixture (CPP, 1:1 ratio) were evaluated as fishmeal (FM) alternatives in black sea bream (Acanthopagrus schlegelii) juveniles (9.02 ± 0.12 g). A FM diet was designed as control, and other six diets had 20% and 40% FM protein replaced by CGM, PPI and CPP, respectively, with the supplementation of crystalline methionine, arginine and lysine. After the 8‐week feeding trial, significantly lower weight gain was found in fish fed the 40% CGM diet (p < .05), whereas other treatments had no statistical difference (p > .05). The values of feed efficiency ratio and feed intake, as well as proximate compositions of muscle and whole body, were not significantly influenced in all treatments. Apparent digestibility coefficients (ADCs) of dry matter, crude protein, threonine, valine, methionine, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine and lysine were significantly influenced by protein source. Fish fed the 40% CGM diet had significantly higher content of essential amino acid in muscle than that of the 20% PPI diet. Fish fed the 40% CGM diet had significantly lower content of serum cholesterol than other treatments (p < .05). Elevated serum superoxide dismutase activity was found in fish fed the 40% plant protein diets. In conclusion, between 20% and 40% FM protein could be replaced by CGM, while about 40% FM protein derived from PPI and CPP could be applied in black sea bream.     

Wheat germ as an alternative ingredient to a fair average quality fishmeal in diets for European seabass

Wheat germ (WG) is a by‐product of the flour milling industry and could be a sustainable ingredient to replace a fair average quality fishmeal (FM) in aquafeeds. Subsequently, three diets were tested in European seabass juveniles (IBW: 16.7 ± 2.8 g): control diet without WG (CTRL); two diets with 75 g/kg and 155 g/kg WG (WG8 and WG16, respectively) at the expense of FM. Diets were isoproteic (500 g/kg dry matter, DM) and isoenergetic (21 MJ/kg, DM). After 18 weeks of feeding, apparent digestibility coefficients (ADCs) were determined and growth performance evaluated. Intestine and muscle were collected for histology and fatty acid profile, respectively. Innate immune parameters were evaluated in plasma. DM, protein and phosphorous ADCs increased concomitantly with the inclusion of WG; WG16 reached significantly higher values (p < 0.05) than CTRL. Feed conversion ratio was lower in fish fed WG16 than in those fed CTRL (1.5 vs. 1.6), while protein efficiency ratio increased with WG inclusion (1.4 vs. 1.2). Results demonstrate WG's potential to partially replace a fair average quality FM in diets for European seabass juveniles without impairing growth and body composition. WG inclusion at 16% (WG16) improved protein ADC and feed utilization, resulting in the lowest economic efficiency ratio, ECR (€/kg fish).     

Effect of replacing fish meal with meat and bone meal on growth,feed utilization and nitrogen and phosphorus excretion for juvenile Pseudobagrus ussuriensis

The effect of replacing fish meal (FM) with meat and bone meal (MBM) in diets for juvenile Pseudobagrus ussuriensis was evaluated in a 90‐day feeding trial. Six isonitrogenous (crude protein, 430 g/kg) and isolipidic (crude lipid, 74 g/kg) diets were formulated to contain MBM to replace FM at 0 (S0), 200 (S20), 400 (S40), 600 (S60), 800 (S80) and 1000 g/kg (S100), respectively. The results showed that there was no significant difference in weight gain (WG) among fish fed S0, S20 and S40 diets. However, a significant reduction in WG occurred when 600, 800 and 1000 g/kg FM protein was replaced by MBM (p < .05). Similar trends were observed in specific growth rate and protein efficiency ratio. Apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC) of protein and dry matter of the diets S80 and S100 were significantly lower than those of the other diets. The ADC of phosphorus significantly reduced with the increase in dietary MBM level. Nitrogen and phosphorus excretion increased with the increasing dietary MBM level. Protease, lipase and amylase activities of the diets S80 and S100 were significantly lower than those of the other diets (p < .05). The results of this study showed that the optimum dietary MBM replacement level was 34.3% according to broken‐line model based on WG against dietary MBM replacement level.     

Evaluation of a fish meal analogue as a replacement for fish meal in practical diets for Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei

Three six‐week growth trials and a digestibility trial were conducted to evaluate a fish meal analogue (FMA) as a replacement for fish meal (FM) in shrimp feeds. Trials 1 and 2 evaluated and confirmed the potential of FMA supplementation (0, 48.5, 97, 145.5 and 194 g/kg) as a replacement for FM up to 200 g/kg without balancing for phosphorus (P) in practical diets for juvenile Pacific white shrimp L. vannamei. At the end of trial 1, shrimp offered diets containing 48.5 g/kg FMA exhibited significantly higher weight gain (WG) than those fed with the diet containing 145.5 g/kg FMA. At the end of trial 2, dietary FMA inclusion at 48.5 and 97 g/kg significantly improved WG and protein retention (PR), while reducing FCR and protein content of shrimp body compared to the diet containing 194 g/kg FMA. To determine whether P deficiency is the cause of reduced growth, the third trial was conducted utilizing equivalent diet but balanced for P. At the end of trial 3, shrimp fed diet containing 48.5 g/kg FMA+P showed significantly higher WG and PR than those fed diet containing 145.5 g/kg FMA+P. No decreasing trend of growth was detected in the diets containing FMA compared to the FM‐based diet. Apparent digestibility coefficients of dry matter, energy, protein and amino acids of FMA were determined using chromic oxide as an inert maker and the 70:30 replacement technique. The energy, protein and individual amino acid digestibility of FMA were significantly lower than those of soybean meal and FM which were run at the same time. Results of this work indicate that FMA can replace up to 200 g/kg FM in shrimp diets with supplemental inorganic P. Given the good growth across the range of inclusion without any indication of a growth depression, the low nutrient digestibility of FMA may be due to an atypical response or the product simply does not work with the testing technique.     

Effects of replacing fish meal with soya protein concentrate on growth,feed efficiency and digestibility in diets for snakehead,Channa striata

Soya bean meal‐based formulated feeds have recently become available for snakehead culture in Vietnam. This study was conducted to determine the appropriate replacement of fish meal (FM) protein by another soya product, soya protein concentrate (SPC), in snakehead (Channa striata) diets. Five iso‐nitrogenous (45% crude protein) and iso‐caloric (19 KJ g^?1) practical diets were formulated to replace 0% (control), 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% of protein FM by protein SPC (100% FM, 40% SPC, 60% SPC, 80% SPC and 100% SPC respectively). A digestibility experiment was also conducted with the same formulated diets with addition of 1% chromic oxide. Fish fed 100% FM and 40% SPC diets had significantly better growth and survival compared with other treatments. Feed intake, feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency ratio and net protein utilization, trypsin and chymotrypsin activities of experimental fish fed 100% FM and 40% SPC diets were significantly higher than those fed other diets. The apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC) of the diet and diet components, ADC_diet, ADC_protein and ADC_lipid, of fish fed diet 40% SPC and 100% FM treatment were significantly higher than those of other treatments. The cost/kg fish produced in diets 100% FM and 40% SPC was much lower compared with other treatments. Dietary inclusion levels of SPC in diet above 40% significantly affected fish survival, growth, digestibility and trypsin and chymotrypsin activities, although fish chemical composition was not greatly affected.     

Dietary simultaneous replacement of fish meal and fish oil with blends of plant proteins and vegetable oils in yellowfin seabream (Acanthopagrus latus) fry: Growth,digestive enzymes,antioxidant status and skin mucosal immunity

A 56‐day nutritional research was performed to examine the influence of alternative vegetal protein and lipid sources on performance of yellowfin seabream fry (Acanthopagrus latus) (0.5 ± 0.0 g). In this regard, five isoproteic (Ca. 500 g/kg) and isolipidic (Ca. 150 g/kg) diets were formulated in which fish meal (FM) and fish oil (FO) were simultaneously replaced with blends of plant proteins (PP, soybean meal and corn gluten) and vegetal oils (VO, canola and soybean oils) at 20% (SR20), 40% (SR40), 60% (SR40) and 80% (SR80) levels, respectively; meanwhile, a control diet (SR0) was formulated based on FM and FO. Growth and feed utilization were not influenced by experimental diets. The fatty acid profile of fillet drastically altered by dietary treatments. Fish fed with the SR60 and SR80 feeds had higher total protease, trypsin and α‐amylase activities than other treatments. The antioxidant enzyme activities and glutathione content in liver were enhanced in fish fed with the SR40, SR60 and SR80 diets. Skin mucosal immune parameters including total protein content, alkaline phosphatase and alternative complement pathway activities in the control group were relatively lower than the vegetal treatments. According to these results, it is recommended that 410 g/kg of FM and 45 g of FO/kg can be replaced with alternative vegetal sources in diet for A. latus fry.     

Replacement of fishmeal by soya protein concentrate in the diets of Totoaba macdonaldi (Gilbert, 1890) juveniles: effect on the growth performance,in vitro digestibility,digestive enzymes and the haematological and biochemistry parameters

The potential of soya protein concentrate (SPC) as an alternative protein source in diets for Totoaba macdonaldi juveniles was evaluated. Seven isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets were formulated containing 15–100% SPC (SPC15, SPC30, SPC45, SPC60, SPC75, SPC90 and SPC100) to replace fishmeal (FM‐protein), and a FM‐protein‐based diet without SPC was used as a reference diet (RD). Each diet was randomly assigned to triplicate groups of 20 totoaba (50 ± 1.0 g) and was fed twice daily to apparent satiation. After 60 days of experiment, effects on totoaba were evaluated. Growth performance in fish fed RD to SPC45 was similar. The maximum FM‐protein replacement for weight gain (g kg ABW^?1 day^?1) was estimated to be 34.17% using a broken‐line model. In vitro digestibility of fish fed RD, SPC15 and SPC30 was similar. Trypsin activity was higher in fish fed the RD (9.38 ± 0.52 mU × 10^?3 mg protein^?1. Chymotrypsin activity was similar in fish fed RD, SPC15 and SPC30. Activity of alkaline protease and phosphatase was similar in fish fed RD, SPC15 and SPC30. Red blood cells (RBC) were the highest in fish fed RD to SPC60. Fish fed the RD, SPC15 and SPC30 present the highest haematocrit (HT) and haemoglobin (HB) content. Diets SPC90 and SPC100 presented similar MCV and MCHC. Total protein (TP) profile overall decreased in fish fed SPC90 and SPC100, pointing to nutritional hypoproteinemia due to deficient digestion and absorption. These results indicate that SPC‐based diets could be used efficiently by totoaba with FM‐protein replacement of less than 45%.     

Partial Replacement of Fish Meal by Fermented Soybean Meal in Diets for Black Sea Bream,Acanthopagrus schlegelii,Juveniles

The effect of fish meal (FM) substitution with fermented soybean meal (FSBM) in the diets of the carnivorous marine fish, black sea bream, Acanthopagrus schlegelii, was investigated. An 8‐wk feeding trial was conducted with black sea bream (11.82 ± 0.32 g; mean initial weight) in indoor flow‐through fiberglass tanks (25 fish per tank). Six isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets were formulated, in which FM was replaced by FSBM at 0% (control diet), 10% (FSBM10), 20% (FSBM20), 30% (FSBM30), 40% (FSBM40), or 50% (FSBM50), respectively. Each diet was fed to triplicate groups of fish twice daily to apparent satiation. The results showed that there was no difference in survival of black sea bream during the feeding trial. Fish fed the FSBM10 or FSBM20 diet showed comparable growth performance compared with fish fed the control diet (P > 0.05), whereas more than 30% replacement of FM adversely affected weight gain and specific growth rate (P < 0.05). Feed intake was significantly lower for fish fed the FSBM50 diet compared with fish fed the control diet. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) tended to increase with increasing dietary FSBM with the poorest FCR observed for fish fed the FSBM50 diet. Protein efficiency ratio and protein productive values showed similar patterns. Apparent digestibility of nutrients significantly decreased with increasing dietary FSBM level. With the exception of protein content, no significant differences in whole body and dorsal muscle composition were observed in fish fed the various diets. Fish fed the FSBM50 diet had significantly lower intraperitoneal ratio than fish fed the control or FSBM10 diet. Hepatosomatic index and condition factor were unaffected by dietary treatments. This study showed that up to 20% of dietary FM protein could be replaced by FSBM protein in the diets of juvenile black sea bream.     

Reduced fishmeal allowance with constant protein input for juvenile channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus

In this study, we evaluated different dietary fishmeal and protein levels on growth performance, intestinal structure and intestinal microbial community of juvenile channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus. A total of 1800 fish distributed into 36 tanks were fed with nine different diets containing three protein levels (300, 330 and 360 g/kg) with three fishmeal (FM) levels (0, 30 and 60 g/kg) for 90 days. The results showed that significant interactions between the protein level and FM level were observed in final weight (FW), weight gain (WG), Na⁺, K⁺‐ATPase and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activities. The significant lowest FW, WG, Na⁺, K⁺‐ATPase and AKP activities were observed in fish fed with no fishmeal and 300 g/kg protein dietary while the highest were shown in 60 g/kg fishmeal and 330 g/kg protein treatment. Additionally, the microvillar length of the mid‐intestine in catfish was significantly affected by the interaction between dietary protein level and fishmeal level. The intestinal samples were dominated by three major phyla, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria and Fusobacteria. Genera Romboutsia and Turicibacter accounted for probably 800 g/kg of the phylum Firmicutes; meanwhile, genus Cetobacterium represented more than 900 g/kg of the phylum Fusobacteria. In conclusion, this study indicated that channel catfish juveniles can be fed with a practical diet without fishmeal as long as the protein level increased to 360 g/kg; however, if the percentage of dietary protein was 300 g/kg, it seemed that fishmeal need to be supplied as a protein source.     

Evaluation of shrimp or tilapia protein hydrolysate at graded dosages in low fish meal diet for olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus)

A study was carried out to examine and optimize the inclusion levels of shrimp hydrolysate (SH) or tilapia hydrolysate (TH) in low fishmeal diets for olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus). A fishmeal (FM)‐based diet was considered as a high FM (HFM) diet, and a diet containing soy protein concentrate (SPC) as a FM replacer at 50% substitution level was regarded as a low FM (LFM) diet. Six other experimental diets were prepared by dietary supplementation of SH or TH to LFM diet at different inclusion levels of 15 g/kg, 30 or 45 g/kg in the expense of FM (designated as SH‐1.5, SH‐3.0, SH‐4.5, TH‐1.5, TH‐3.0 and TH‐4.5, respectively). After 10 weeks of a feeding trial, growth performance and feed utilization efficiency of fish were significantly higher in fish fed HFM, SH‐3.0, SH‐4.5, TH‐1.5 and TH‐3.0 diets compared to those of fish fed LFM diet. Intestine diameter, villus height and goblet cell counts of fish were significantly increased by dietary inclusion of SH or TH into LFM diet. Dry matter and protein digestibility of diets were significantly improved by SH or TH incorporation. Innate immunity of fish was significantly enhanced by dietary SH or TH supplementation into LFM diet. Disease resistance of fish was significantly increased against Edwardsiella tarda by dietary inclusion of SH and TH at the highest inclusion level (45 g/kg). The optimum inclusion level of SH or TH in a SPC‐based LFM diet could be ~30 g/kg and 15–30 g/kg, for olive flounder.     

Evaluation of soybean meal as alternative to fish meal in diet for juvenile Asian red‐tailed catfish (Hemibagrus wyckioides)

A feeding trial was conducted to determine the amount of soybean meal (SBM) that could replace fish meal (FM) without compromising growth and health of Asian red‐tailed catfish (Hemibagrus wyckioides). Five isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets (S0, S15, S30, S45 and S60) were formulated with SBM to replace 0%, 15%, 30%, 45% and 60% of FM. The replacement level up to 30% improved daily growth coefficient, plasma adenosine monophosphate deaminase (AMPD) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities and IgM content, and hepatic ALT, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and glutathione reductase activities, whereas these were depressed by a further inclusion. The highest protein efficiency ratio and lowest feed conversion ratio were observed in fish fed the S15 diet. Replacement of FM with SBM generally decreased plasma insulin and insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1) contents and hepatic catalase activity, whereas no significant differences were observed among fish fed the S0, S15 and S30 diets. In contrast, replacing FM with SBM generally increased blood urea nitrogen content, and that was higher in fish fed the S60 diet compared to fish fed the S0 diet. The highest growth hormone (GH) and glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) activities were observed in fish fed the S30 diet. Fish fed the S30 and S45 diets exhibited the highest hepatic AMPD, GDH, IGF‐1 and target of rapamycin mRNA levels and muscle AMPD and GDH mRNA levels, whereas those were lowest in fish fed the S60 diet. These results indicate that under the reported conditions SBM may be included in the diet up to 222 g/kg as a substitute for FM, replacing about 30% of FM protein in juvenile H. wyckioides.     

Bovine plasma protein as an alternative protein source in extruded aquafeeds for Piaractus mesopotamicus (pacú) at two fattening stages

An 84‐day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the addition of bovine plasma protein concentrate (BPP) as a full replacement of fish meal (FM) in extruded aquafeeds for the fish Piaractus mesopotamicus at two fattening stages. Fish with an initial body weight of 105.55 ± 13.48 g (1st fattening stage) and 564.50 ± 88.02 g (2nd fattening stage) received two iso‐nitrogenous and isocaloric diets with 130 g/kg of FM (FM diet—FMD) or with 130 g/kg of BPP (BPP diet—BPPD). No significant difference in growth performance was detected between dietary treatments. Fish from the 2nd fattening stage showed decreased intestinal pH and increased haemoglobin content. At the 1st fattening stage, fish fed with BPPD presented higher levels of plasma triglycerides and cholesterol, and hepatic and whole‐body lipid content, while plasma glucose and muscular glycogen were lower at the 2nd fattening stage compared with FMD‐fed fish. Fish fed with FMD showed an increase in the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in liver at the 1st fattening stage and intestine at the 2nd one, accompanied by higher levels of hepatic catalase at the 1st fattening stage. Results suggest BPP could completely replace FM in diets for P. mesopotamicus without affecting growth performance, when FM represents 13% of the diet.     

Growth and feeding responses of the mutton snapper,Lutjanus analis (Cuvier 1828), fed on diets with soy protein concentrate in replacement of Anchovy fish meal

This study evaluated the growth (first phase) and feeding responses (second phase) of juvenile mutton snapper fed four isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets with increasing levels of soy protein concentrate (SPC) in substitution to fish meal (FM). The FM was replaced by SPC at 0% (basal diet, SPC000), 33% (SPC130), 57% (SPC214) and 77% (SPC300). After 95 days of rearing, fish fed SPC300 attained a significantly lower body weight (54.9 ± 13.2 g) compared with those fed diets SPC000, SPC130 and SPC214 (76.5 ± 14.0 g, 73.9 ± 13.8 g and 70.5 ± 14.0 g respectively). Fish yield increased significantly from 891 ± 36 g m^?3 for fish fed SPC300 to an average of 1099 ± 111 g m^?3 for other diets. A maximum fish body weight gain of 0.60 ± 0.05 g day^?1 and a maximum specific growth rate of 1.47 ± 0.07% day^?1 were achieved for SPC000. Behavioural assays conducted during 10 days revealed the loss in fish growth with diets containing higher levels of SPC was due to a decline in feed intake. Low feed intake driven by a poor feed palatability appeared to have been a major obstacle against higher inputs of SPC in diets for mutton snapper.     

Effects of Spirulina platensis as a feed additive on growth and coloration of blue dolphin cichlids (Cyrtocara moorii Boulunger, 1902)

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of replacing fish meal with dietary Spirulina as a feed supplement on the growth performance and coloration of blue dolphin cichlids (Cyrtocara moorii). Five isonitrogenous (47% crude protein) and isocaloric (17.36 kJ/g digestible energy) diets were for formulated to replace FM with 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20% Spirulina (designated as Control, SP5, SP10, SP15 and SP20 respectively) and fed to the fish (initial body weight, 3.15 ± 0.01 g). Fish were randomly distributed into fifteen 120 L aquariums (26.5 ± 1.00°C), 15 fish per aquarium. The diets were tested in triplicate for 12 weeks. Experimental groups were fed twice daily (09:00 and 17:00) by hand to satiation. At the end of the feeding trial, significantly (p < 0.05) higher weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR), protein efficiency ratio (PER) and lower feed conversion ratio (FCR) were observed in fish fed the SP10 diet when compared to the SP20 diet. There was no significant difference in these parameters between the other groups. The skin coloration of blue dolphin cichlid fed a diet containing Spirulina meal was enhanced. The best coloration was observed in the SP15 group. These impressions were objectively validated by chemical determinations of carotenoids extracted from fish skins and passed statistical tests of significance. The study findings show that Spirulina meal does not diminish growth rates except at very high levels.     

Dietary protease modulates nutrient retention efficiency and hepatopancreatic protease activity in juvenile Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis

An 8‐week growth trial was conducted with juvenile Chinese mitten crab fed a high fishmeal (FM) diet (PC), a low FM diet (NC) and three other diets (NC125, NC150 and NC175) supplemented with 125, 150 and 175 mg/kg of a dietary protease. In the NC diets, a portion of FM (from PC diet) was replaced by a combination of plant proteins. All diets were isoproteic (404 ± 3 g/kg) and isoenergetic (18.6 ± 0.2 kJ/g). No differences were observed among treatments in most parameters except protein (PRE, %) and lipid (LRE, %) retention efficiencies, where LRE was the highest (37.9%) in NC175 followed by the PC. A linear regression demonstrated significant effects of protease on hepatopancreatic trypsin activity (HPRO, p = .001), and PRE (p = .05) and LRE (p = .014) but not on energy retention efficiency (ERE). Dietary protease level was positively correlated with HPRO and nutrient retention efficiency (p < .05). On the other hand, the specific growth rate (SGR) was positively correlated with portein deposition (PD), lipid deposition (LP) and recovered energy (RE) and negatively correlated with survival (p < .05). This study is first to demonstrate that mainly nutrient retention efficiencies are modulated by specific dietary enzymes in animals.     

Effect of dietary leucine on growth performance,hemolymph and hepatopancreas enzyme activities of swimming crab,Portunus trituberculatus

An 8‐week feeding trial was conducted to determine the dietary leucine requirement for juvenile swimming crabs reared in cement pools. Six isonitrogenous and isolipidic practical diets (430 g/kg crude protein and 70 g/kg crude lipid) were formulated to contain graded leucine levels which ranged from 16.7 to 26.7 g/kg (dry weight). Each diet was randomly assigned to triplicate groups of 60 juvenile swimming crabs (initial average weight 3.75 ± 0.12 g) that were stocked in rectangle plastic baskets. The results of the present study indicated that dietary leucine levels significantly influenced weight gain (WG) and specific growth ratio (SGR) (p < .05), crab fed the diet containing 22.7 g/kg leucine had significantly higher WG and SGR than those fed the other diets. Feed efficiency and protein efficiency ratio were not significantly affected by the dietary leucine levels (p > .05). Total protein, cholesterol, triglyceride and glucose in serum were significantly affected by the dietary leucine levels. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase activities in hemolymph, AST and superoxide dismutase activities in hepatopancreas were significantly affected by dietary leucine levels; moreover, crab fed the 16.7 g/kg leucine diet had higher malondialdehyde in hemolymph and hepatopancreas than those fed the other diets. Crab fed the diet containing 24.9 g/kg leucine had higher phenoloxidase activity in hemolymph than those fed the other diets. Based on two‐slope broken‐line model of SGR against dietary leucine levels, the optimal dietary leucine requirement for growth was estimated to be 22.1 g/kg of the dry diet (corresponding to 51.4 g/kg of dietary protein on a dry weight basis). In summary, findings of this study indicated that dietary leucine could improve growth performance and antioxidant status.