Effects of brewer’s yeast extract on growth performance and health of juvenile pikeperch Sander lucioperca (L.)

Juvenile European pikeperch, Sander lucioperca, were fed commercial feed (group C) or experimental feed supplemented with NuPro^® nucleotide‐rich Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast protein (extract obtained through a cell wall removal process) in doses of 20, 40 or 60 g kg^?1 feed (groups N2, N4, N6) for 8 weeks. Growth, non‐specific immunity parameters, histological structure of the liver and intestine, proximate whole‐body composition and blood biochemical parameters were assayed. It was noted that brewer’s yeast extract has immunomodulatory proprieties. NuPro^® in doses of 40 and 60 g kg^?1 feed strongly stimulated non‐specific (innate) cellular and humoral immunity in pikeperch. The experimental feed did not have a significant impact on pikeperch growth (P > 0.05). The proximate composition of the fish bodies and the hepatosomatic and viscerosomatic (VSI) indices were also not affected, which indicated that the tested diets had no negative impact on the metabolism or deposition of nutrients in fish tissues. The lower levels of transaminases AST and ALT, which were noted in the groups with the two highest doses of NuPro^® (P < 0.05), might indicate improved liver function. It was also demonstrated that the brewer’s yeast extract stimulates the absorption activity of intestinal epithelial cells.     

Immunomodulatory effect of dietary brewer’s yeast extract in Sander lucioperca juveniles against the challenge of Aeromonas salmonicida

The present study examined the influence of extract obtained from the interior of cells of yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae (NuPro^®), on the growth, proximate composition, nonspecific cellular and humoral defense mechanisms, and protection against furunculosis in pikeperch (Sander lucioperca). It was noted that eight weeks of supplementation with 40 g of NuPro^® kg^?1 feed (containing approximately 0.22 % exogenic nucleotides) enhanced pikeperch innate immunity. Increased serum lysozyme activity and total Ig levels (P < 0.05) were noted in the NuPro^®-fed group, which indicated the activation of nonspecific humoral defense mechanisms. Brewer’s yeast extract also stimulated nonspecific cellular defense mechanisms as indicated by the increased metabolic activity of blood phagocytes and pronephric macrophages, and in the increased intracellular killing activity of phagocytes and proliferative responses of T and B lymphocytes (P < 0.05). Additionally, reduced mortality (15 %) after the in vivo challenge with pathogenic Aeromonas salmonicida suggested that NuPro^® activated nonspecific protection against furunculosis in pikeperch. The experimental feed did not have a significant impact on the growth or proximate composition of the fish (P > 0.05).     

Improvement of growth performance,digestive enzymes and body composition of Persian sturgeon (Acipenser persicus) following feeding on probiotics: Bacillus licheniformis,Bacillus subtilis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The individual and combinational effects of probiotics on Persian sturgeon (Acipenser persicus) were evaluated through assessing the growth performance, proximate body composition, digestive enzymes and intestinal morphology. On the basis of feeding with experimental diets, the fish were assigned into four groups denoted as follows: control (basal diet), D‐Pro (basal diet + Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis), D‐Pro/Yeast (basal diet + B. subtilis and B. licheniformis + Saccharomyces cerevisiae), Yeast (basal diet + S. cerevisiae). Maximum mean weight and length were measured for the fish fed with D‐pro regime. weight gain (WG), body weight gain (BWI%),  feed efficiency (FE%), protein efficiency rate (PER), lipid efficiency rate (LER), and condition factor (CF) demonstrated the highest values for the fish fed with the diets containing D‐Pro and/or D‐Pro/yeast. LER and food conversion ratio (FCR) showed the highest performance for the fish received the D‐Pro diet. The diets containing D‐Pro exhibited higher performance in enhancing the activity of protease and lipase than the one supplemented only with the yeast, whereas the regimes treated with the yeast exhibited higher amylase activity. The fish received D‐Pro exhibited the highest protein and fat contents, yet did the lowest contents of moisture and total ash. Taken together, the findings revealed that the dietary administration of the D‐Pro and D‐Pro/Yeast could improve the growth performance of A. persicus.     

Impact of inducing general anaesthesia with MS‐222 on haematological and biochemical parameters of pikeperch (Sander lucioperca)

The aim of this study was to determine the impact of MS‐222 on the haematological and biochemical parameters of juvenile pikeperch. The experiment was conducted on fish with body weight of 112.50 ± 13.01 g and body length of 22.5 ± 1.8 cm. The fish were exposed to MS‐222 via immersion at two concentrations (100, 150 mg/L) and for two exposure periods (3, 10 min). Significantly higher values of white blood cells, red blood cells, haemoglobin and haematocrit were noted in all groups of fish from which blood samples were drawn immediately after exposure. After 24 hr, only in group V (100/3/24) did the values of these parameters return to initial values. The analysis of biochemical parameters signalled significant differences in three parameters: glucose, total protein and lactates. Twenty‐four hours after exposure, the values of these three parameters returned to initial levels. Significant differences were also noted in four ion concentrations: potassium, phosphorus, sodium and iron. Twenty‐four hours later, potassium and phosphorus concentrations had returned to initial values, while that of sodium still exhibited significant differences. Twenty‐four hours later, differences were also noted in iron ion concentrations in the groups subjected to the longest exposure or the highest concentration. All of the MS‐222 immersion parameters were effective. However, the smallest changes in the analysed parameters of pikeperch blood were noted in individuals from group I (100/3/0). The current study indicated, however, that longer pikeperch immersion in the anaesthetic solution (>3 min) or applying concentrations exceeding 100 mg/L are not recommended.     

Physiological responses to feed restriction and starvation in juvenile Siberian sturgeon Acipenser baerii (Brandt, 1869): Effects on growth,body composition and blood plasma metabolites

An 8‐week study was applied to evaluate the effects of feed restriction and starvation on growth, proximate composition, haematological and biochemical factors in juvenile Siberian sturgeon Acipenser baerii with an average weight of 54 ± 0.6 g. Fish were randomly divided into nine indoor tanks (1,050 L volume) with 30 fish per tank in a flow‐through system at 18 ± 0.4°C. Three feeding strategies were considered: I) fed at satiation (F), II) restricted feeding at the rate of 1% body weight per day (R) and III) starvation (S) each with 3 replicates. Fish were fed with commercial pellets 4 times daily, but no feed was considered for S group throughout the trial. Basal level at the start, 4 and 8 weeks after initiation of the experiment, blood samples were taken from 5 fish/tank to measure the haematological and biochemical parameters. Moreover, growth performance was recorded every 2‐week interval. At the end of the experiment, the growth parameters and proximate composition were significantly different among the treatments. As expected, the highest weight (164.7 ± 2.1 g) was observed in F group compared to R (101 ± 1.7 g), or S (42.4 ± 0.8 g) groups. The highest (12.07 ± 0.14%) and lowest (5.37 ± 0.42%) fat contents were observed in F and S groups, respectively, while the protein was not affected in R group compared with F group. In addition, most haematological and biochemical indices of Siberian sturgeon were affected by starvation at week 4 and 8, while few changes were observed in restricted feeding. The highest mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, plasma total protein, cholesterol and triglyceride was found in S group, while the lowest value of plasma glucose was observed in this group. It can be concluded that Siberian sturgeon adjusts the physiological condition in short‐term (4 weeks) feed restriction using stored metabolites to have basal metabolism and due to this, a short period of feed restriction strategy recommends to the optimum nutritional management of Siberian sturgeon to cost‐saving during unsuitable conditions.     

Evaluation of dietary chitosan effects on growth performance,immunity, body composition and histopathology of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) as well as the resistance to Streptococcus agalactiae infection

The present investigation aimed to evaluate the effect of dietary chitosan supplementation on growth performance, body composition, immune response and histopathology of Nile tilapia, and also the in vitro antibacterial activity of chitosan against Streptococcus agalactiae (S. agalactiae). About 180 fish (average body weight 39.3 ± 0.3 g) were randomly divided into three groups according to chitosan supplementation: control group (basal diet without chitosan), Ch3 group (3 g chitosan/kg diet) and Ch5 group (5 g chitosan/kg diet). Growth performance parameters and body proximate composition were measured before infection but biochemical parameters and lysozyme and antibacterial activities before and after experimental infection. Results of the present investigation showed dietary chitosan (5 g chitosan/kg diet) significantly (p < .05) improved growth performance parameters, body composition (dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, ash, and carbohydrate) and serum biochemistry (total protein, albumin, globulin, with no effect on AST, ALT, urea and creatinine) before infection in Ch5 group than the control. After infection, liver enzymes (serum AST and ALT) were maintained lower in fish fed Ch3 or Ch5 than the control. Serum lysozyme and bactericidal activities significantly increased (p < .05) in chitosan groups before and after the challenge. The mortality rate was markedly reduced in the Ch3 group and prohibited in the Ch5 group after the experimental infection. In conclusion, feeding 3 or 5 g chitosan/kg diet increased the growth rate and improved FCR of Nile tilapia. In addition, it reduced mortality by its antibacterial and immunostimulant effects.     

Effect of dietary Yucca schidigera extract on growth,total ammonia–nitrogen excretion and haematological parameters of juvenile striped catfish Pangasianodon hypophthalmus

A feeding trial with striped catfish, Pangasianodon hypophthalmus was performed to determine the effect of Yucca schidigera in practical diet on the growth, feed utilization, body composition, total ammonia–nitrogen (TAN) excretion and haematological parameters. A diet with fish meal as the main protein source without yucca extract was used as the control diet (Diet 1). Four diets were formulated with 0.075 (Diet 2), 0.1 (Diet 3) and 0.15 (Diet 4)% of yucca extract respectively. Fifteen fish per tank (initial mean weight 1.78 ± 0.05 g) were randomly allocated to 15 fibreglass tanks (80‐L) connected to a freshwater closed recirculation system (temperature 29.7 ± 1.0°C). The experimental diets were tested in triplicates for 12 weeks. The specific growth rate of fish fed Diet 4 was significantly higher when compared with fish fed Diet 1. The growth of fish fed diets Diet 2 and Diet 3 were not significantly different compared with fish fed the Diet 1. Striped catfish fed Diet 4 had significantly lower feed conversion ratio compared with fish fed Diet 1 and Diet 2 (P < 0.05).The incorporation of high level Yucca schidigera extract in the diets reduced TAN compared with Diet 1. Dietary inclusion of Yucca extract levels did not significantly affect the biometric parameters or whole body proximate composition of the striped catfish (P > 0.05). The PCV (%) in fish significantly increased with high levels of Yucca inclusion (Diet 4) compared with control diet. Fish fed Diet 4 showed significantly higher haemoglobin levels than Diet 1 (P < 0.05). The results indicate that dietary inclusion of Yucca schidigera extract is promising as a feed additive that could improve growth performance and some haematological parameters and the best Yucca schidigera level was 0.15%.     

Effect of partial replacement of fish meal with soybean meal and feeding frequency on growth,feed utilization and body composition of juvenile Chinese sucker,Myxocyprinus asiaticus (Bleeker)

A factorial (2 × 4) feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effects of feeding frequency and partial replacement of fish meal (FM) with soybean meal (SBM) on the growth performance, feed utilization and body proximate composition of juvenile Chinese sucker. Two feed types including replacement of 30% FM (diet 1) with SBM (diet 2) were used. Triplicate groups of fish (average weight, 11.80 ± 0.19 g) were fed each feed type to visual satiation at four meals per day, three meals per day, two meals per day and one meal per day for 8 weeks. At the end of the feeding trial, the survival of fish was not significantly different among the treatments. Weight gain was affected by the feeding frequency. The highest weight gain was observed in fish fed with diet 1 at three meals per day. There existed a significant difference in daily feed intake (DFI), daily protein intake (DPI), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) when the feeding frequency was increased from one or two to three or four meals per day (P < 0.001), but not by the feed types. For both two feed types, the highest DFI and DPI were observed at three meals per day. The highest PER was gained at four meals per day, while FCR was the least. The body proximate composition of fish was altered by feeding frequency. The crude lipid content increased with the increase in feeding frequency. Essential amino acids (EAAs) content showed no significant differences among different treatments. The present findings suggest that three feedings per day at visual satiation may be sufficient for the maximal growth performance of Chinese sucker grown from 11 to 45 g. Results also indicate that about 30% of FM protein can be replaced by SBM protein in Chinese sucker diets without adversely affecting growth.     

Effect of two medicinal herbs (Astragalus radix and Lonicera japonica) on the growth performance and body composition of juvenile pikeperch [Sander lucioperca (L.)]

The aim of this study was to determine the impact of feeding juvenile pikeperch diets with medicinal herb adjuvants on the growth performance, proximate body composition, fatty acids profile (whole fish, muscle tissues, viscera) and cytological and histological indicators of the liver and middle intestine. The fish (mean body weight of ca. 110 g) were fed diets with a 0.1% supplement of Astragalus radix (group A), Lonicera japonica (group L) or a mixture of these herbs ( A. radix + L. japonica ; group A/L) for 8 weeks. The herbal supplementation was not noted to have had an impact on the analysed indicators of fish growth performance, condition or feed conversion ratio ( P >0.05). Statistically significant intergroup differences were noted in the value of the hepatosomatic index, hepatocyte size, their nucleus and nucleus/cytoplasm diameter ratio ( P <0.05). Significant intergroup differences were also noted in the appearance of the hepatic parenchyma. Statistically significant intergroup differences were also noted in the protein content of the whole fish body. The analysis of the proximal composition of the fish viscera, in turn, indicated significant differences in the fat content ( P <0.05). Among the analysed group of fatty acids (saturated – SFA, monoenoic – MUFA, polyenoic – PUFA) contained in the whole fish, the fillets and the viscera, significant intergroup differences were noted with regard to SFA (viscera) and MUFA (whole fish) ( P <0.05). The total PUFA content was stable, although significant intergroup differences were noted with regard to a few of the acids that belong to this group ( P <0.05).     

Impact of diets with different proportions of linseed and sunflower oils on the growth, liver histology, immunological and chemical blood parameters, and proximate composition of pikeperch Sander lucioperca (L.)

The aim of the study was to determine the impact of applying different proportions of linseed (LO) and sunflower (SFO) oils in pikeperch diets on growth, histological changes in the liver, immunological and blood chemical parameters. The fish were fed isoenergetic and isoprotein feeds containing SFO (group 100SFO) or LO (group 100LO) in quantities of 67 g kg/feed, and a mixture of oils: 47 g SFO and 20 g LO kg/feed (group 70SFO/30LO) and 20 g SFO and 47 g LO kg/feed (group 30SFO/70LO). Dietary ratios of polyunsaturated fatty acids from the n-3 and n-6 series (n3/n6 index) were 0.36–2.15. Pikeperch were reared for 56 days in three replicates for each dietary treatment. Various dietary oils and ratios of n3/n6 did not impact fish growth, feed conversion ratio, viscerosomatic and hepatosomatic index, and size of the hepatocytes. Feeding the fish high quantities of LO and SO oils (groups 100LO and 100SFO) reduced the immunological response of the phagocytes and lymphocytes in the fish. Moreover, this resulted in significant differences among groups in the quantity of linolenic and linoleic acid in whole fish bodies, viscera, fillets, and livers. Various quantities of vegetable oils in the fish diets did not impact the quantity of arachidonic, eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid in the fillets and livers. The immunological index and low quantities of linoleic acid in the fillets obtained in group 30SFO/70LO indicate that the n3/n6 dietary ratio of 1.35 was the most advantageous for feeding juvenile pikeperch feeds with vegetable oils.     

Soy protein concentrate as an alternative in replacement of fish meal in the feeds of hybrid grouper,brown‐marbled grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus) × giant grouper (E. lanceolatus) juvenile

Hybrid grouper juveniles (body weight, 6.1 ± 0.7 g) (brown‐marbled grouper, Epinephelus fuscoguttatus × giant grouper, E. lanceolatus) were fed with six isoproteic (50% crude protein) and isolipidic (12% crude lipid) feeds containing different levels of soy protein concentrate (SPC) in replacement of fish meal (SPC at 20%, 30%, 40%, 50% and 60% protein) and control feed (SPC0) for 6 weeks. Hybrid grouper juveniles were cultured in 100‐L fibreglass tank equipped with flow‐through water system and fed twice a day to apparent satiation level. The highest and lowest growth was recorded in fish fed SPC20 and SPC60 respectively. However, growth of SPC20 was not significantly higher than those fed SPC0, SPC30, SPC40 and SPC50 (p > .05). A decreasing growth trend was observed with the increasing level of SPC from feed SPC40 to SPC60. A noticeable better feed utilization was also observed in fish fed SPC0, SPC20, SPC30, SPC40 and SPC50 compared to fish fed SPC60 (p < .05). The fish condition factor, hepatosomatic index, viscerosomatic index and whole body proximate content of the fish were not affected by the graded levels of SPC. However, the body lipid content was significantly lower in fish fed SPC40 to SPC60 (p < .05). The apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC) of protein and lipid was significantly higher in fish fed SPC0 and SPC20 compared to other dietary treatments (p < .05). Based on the regression analysis on specific growth rate, the study suggests that the hybrid grouper grow best at 21.4% and can utilize up to 50% inclusion level of SPC in protein without significantly affect their growth and its body condition.     

Effects of varying dietary docosahexaenoic acid levels on growth,proximate composition and tissue fatty acid profile of juvenile silver pomfrets,Pampus argenteus (Euphrasen, 1788)

This study investigated the effects of varying dietary levels of decosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on growth performance, proximate composition and whole body fatty acid profiles of juvenile silver pomfret, Pampus argenteus. Triplicate groups of fish (30.55 ± 0.08 g) were fed diets containing 5.2%, 9.31% and 13.38% DHA (% of total fatty acids) or 0.85%, 1.52% and 2.18% DHA on dry diet weight for diets 1, 2 and 3 respectively. Survival was not affected by dietary DHA levels. The growth performance and feed utilization parameters of fish fed diets 2 and 3 were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those fed diet 1, although these parameters in diets 2 and 3 did not differ significantly (P > 0.05). Whole body lipid and fatty acid profiles were influenced by dietary DHA levels. Significantly higher n‐3 fatty acids particularly DHA, DHA:EPA(eicosapentaenoic acid) ratios and n‐3:n‐6 ratios were observed in fish fed diets 2 and 3 compared to those fed diet 1. Better growth performance and higher whole body DHA:EPA (2.31, 2.29) ratios and n‐3:n‐6 ratios (2.17, 2.12) observed in fish fed diets 2 and 3, respectively, suggests that silver pomfret juveniles have a higher requirement for n‐3 fatty acids, notably DHA for optimum growth and survival.     

Influence of continuous magnetic field exposure on water properties and subsequent effects on the growth performance,plasma biochemistry,nutritive value and liver histopathology of Jade Perch Scortum barcoo in a recirculating system

A 150‐days study was conducted on the continuous exposure of magnetized water at 0.00, 0.10, 0.15 and 0.20 Tesla (T) on quadruplicate treatments of Jade Perch Scortum barcoo juveniles in a recirculating system. Each replicate consisted of 18 fish with an average weight of 7.52 g over all treatments. The feeding efficiencies, growth, whole‐body proximate plasma parameters, survival were measured and liver histopathology was observed. Our results show no significant improvement in water quality parameters, specific growth rate and body weight gain in this study. However, the best feed conversion ratio was recorded in fish exposed to 0.10, 0.15 and 0.20 T, which are significantly better than the control 0.00 T. Though survival was unaffected but plasma biochemistry and liver histopathology were affected even within the treatment. No liver, plasma or blood abnormalities were detected in fish exposed to 0.10 T and the control 0.00 T. But, one out of four livers from fish in the 0.15 T treatment showed a localized inflammatory response. These changes increased in the liver of fish exposed to 0.20 T, high AST and necrosis in this group is evidence of the liver cells damaged or been at risk. A significantly higher crude protein and lipid were noticed in the exposed fish compared with the control, 0.15 T had the highest crude protein and lipid while the control has the lowest. Based on the overall findings, on growth performance and looking at other factors like absence of any physiological disorder 0.10 T can be used as an effective and affordable technique improve the feeding efficiencies of Jade Perch.     

Effect of protein and lipid dietary levels on the growth of juvenile meagre (Argyrosomus regius)

This study investigates the effects of dietary lipid and protein levels in the growth, feed utilization and body composition of meagre (Argyrosomus regius). Triplicate groups of juvenile fish (23.4 ± 4.9 g average weight ± SD) were fed four isolipidic diets (17.5% crude lipids) containing 40, 45, 50 and 54% of protein, while in a separate experiment, fish (21.8 ± 3.7 g average weight ± SD) were fed four isonitrogenous (50% crude protein, dry matter) each containing 12, 15, 17 or 20% of crude lipids. In the protein requirement experiment, the increase in crude protein in the diet from 40 up to 50% positively affected SGR (Specific growth rate) and FCR (Feed conversion ratio). The increase in crude lipids in the diet from 12 up to 17% showed a tendency for improvement in SGR and FCR. In both experiments, the fastest growing fish exhibited higher lipid depots. Overall, the present investigation showed that juvenile meagre has an estimated protein requirement of 50% and it does not seem to require high dietary lipid levels.     

Movements,recapture rate and length increment of tagged pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) – a basis for management in large lakes

Movements, site fidelity, exploitation rate and total length (TL) increment of pikeperch, Sander lucioperca L., were studied by tagging 3977 pikeperch, of 334 mm mean TL, in Lake Mälaren in 1994. Fish were recaptured in gillnets, trap nets and to a lesser extent with rod and line. Total recapture rate was 30.4%, with 50% of the recaptures made within 8.4 km of the release site. Movements were restricted during summer, whereas movements from shallow to deeper basins were frequent in autumn. The yearly TL increment was estimated at 99 mm for fish 300 mm long at release and 42 mm for fish of 400 mm at release. The results have direct implications for future management, as the mortality of undersized fish in the fishery; the strong site fidelity and fast growth indicate that fishery closures may be an effective measure to attain a larger stock of fish above the size limit.     

Effects of restricted feeding regimes on growth and feed conversion on juvenile green sea urchin,Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis

Groups of juvenile green sea urchin, Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis (average wet weight = 3.3 g), were fed five different dry feed rations (0.2%, 0.4%, 0.8%, 1.2% and 2.4% of their body weight per week) under constant light and temperature conditions for 160 days (Experiment I) in groups to examine growth effects, and for 40 days as individual treatments (Experiment II) to examine feeding efficiency. There was 100% survival of the sea urchins during both experiments. In Experiment I, the lowest ration group (0.2%) had significantly lower growth than the rest of the groups. There was no significant differences in growth between the sea urchin fed ration over 0.4% dry feed of the body wet weight per week. In Experiment II, the lowest feed ration groups (0.2%) had significant lowest growth but had the best feed conversion ratio (FCR), using 0.5 g of feed of dry feed per gram of sea urchin wet weight body growth. The FCR increased with increasing feed ration and the 2.4% group had the poorest FCR, using 1.3 g of feed per gram weight gain. Results from Experiments I and II illustrate that juvenile green sea urchin can grow at a restricted feed ration that is under maximum feed intake, without reduction in growth.     

Effect of replacing dietary fish meal with black soldier fly larvae meal on growth and fatty acid composition of Jian carp (Cyprinus carpio var. Jian)

To explore the effect of replacing dietary fish meal (FM) with black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal (BSFLM) on growth and body composition of Jian carp (Cyprinus carpio var. Jian), the FM in basal diet of Jian carp was replaced by 0, 35, 70, 105 and 140 g/kg BSFLM respectively to form five isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets. A total of 300 Jian carp (10.1 ± 1.6 g) were randomly divided into five groups (triplicate per group) and fed five diets, respectively. After 56 days of feeding, growth and body composition of fish were determined. Results showed that serum maleic dialdehyde, total antioxidant capacity, 18:1n‐9, 18:2n‐6, 20:5n‐3 and 22:6n‐3 in fish significantly decreased and 12:0, 14:0 and 16:0 significantly increased with increasing replacement of BSFLM. The growth, biological parameters, proximate composition, amino acid composition and serum biochemical parameters of Jian carp were not affected by the replacement of BSFLM. In conclusion, up to 140 g/kg BSFLM (100% replacement of FM) can be included in diets of Jian carp without unfavourable effects on growth while decreasing n‐3 highly unsaturated fatty acid (HUFA) composition in body of fish, suggesting that BSFLM could be used after nutrient enrichment with n‐3 HUFA to bring active effects on fish quality.     

Tissue composition,blood biochemistry and histology of digestive organs in Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis) juveniles fed diets containing different plant protein ingredients

The aim of this study was to determine the impact of diets with different plant protein ingredients on proximate composition, tissue metabolites and tissue fatty acid composition, as well as hepatic and intestinal histological modifications in Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis). Fish (21.5 ± 2.8 g body weight) were fed six isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets during 11 weeks. A control diet containing fish meal as the main protein source was compared with five experimental diets replacing 30% fish meal protein by different plant protein sources: soybean meal (SBM), soybean protein concentrate (SPC), soybean protein isolate (SPI), wheat gluten meal (WGM) or pea protein concentrate (PPC). The inclusion of different plant protein did not significantly affect growth and proximate composition of fish. The hepatosomatic index was not significantly different to the control group; however, utilization of WGM significantly increased hepatocyte size. Plasma protein values and muscle triglycerides were influenced by the inclusion of SBM and WGM in the diets respectively. Feeding fish on SBM, WGM and PPC diets significantly enhanced n‐6 fatty acid levels in muscle, particularly linoleic acid. None of the plant protein ingredient used in the diets decreased arachidonic, eicosapentaenoic as well as docosahexaenoic acid values in liver and muscle. Overall, histological studies did not reveal the existence of any intestinal alterations induced by the inclusion of different plant proteins. Despite moderate changes produced by SBM, SPC and WGM, inclusion of dietary plant protein ingredients has no major impact on growth, tissue and blood biochemistry, fatty acid profile and gut integrity of Senegalese sole juveniles.     

Interactive effects of dietary protein and live bakery yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae on growth performance of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (L.) fry and their challenge against Aeromonas hydrophila infection

Yeasts used as a probiotic in fish diets could stimulate fish resistance against bacterial infection and could enhance the activities of digestive enzymes in fish guts. In addition to yeast importance, dietary protein is another important part in fish diets that should be carefully optimized to meet fish requirement. It is proposed that the yeast supplementation may enhance the dietary protein turnover and reduce the protein requirement for fish. Therefore, the interactive effects of dietary protein and yeast levels on the growth performance of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (L.) fry and their challenge against Aeromonas hydrophila infection was evaluated. In the present study, ten experimental diets were formulated to contain either 35% or 45% crude protein (CP). For each protein level treatment, bakery yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) was supplemented at 0.0, 0.50, 1.0, 2.0, or 5.0 g/kg diet. Fish (0.25–0.48 g) were distributed at a rate of 25 fish per 140-L aquarium. For each diet, triplicate aquaria were fed twice a day, 5 days a week for 12 weeks. Fish growth and feed utilization were significantly affected by either dietary protein or yeast levels alone, while no significant effect of their interaction was observed. The highest fish growth was obtained at 1.0–5.0 g yeast/kg diet at both protein levels; however, the fish performance at 45% CP was better than that fed on 35% CP diets. The optimum feed conversion ratio (FCR) was obtained when fish fed on 1.0–5.0 and 2.0–5.0 g yeast/kg diet at 35 and 45% CP, respectively. The cumulative fish mortality, after interperitoneal injection with A. hydrophila for 10 days, and bactericidal activity was significantly higher in fish fed 35% CP diets than those fed 45% CP diets. Both variables decreased significantly with the increase in yeast levels. The lowest bacterial count and bactericidal activity were obtained in fish fed 5.0 g yeast/kg diet irrespective to dietary protein levels. It could be concluded that the inclusion of live bakery yeast in practical diets could improve the growth performances, feed utilization, and physiological status of Nile tilapia fry and their challenge against A. hydrophila infection. Moreover, fish performance when fed 45% CP diet was better than those fed 35% CP diet. Based on these results, the most suitable yeast level for maximum Nile tilapia growth was determined to be 2.0 g yeast/kg diet with 45% CP diet; however, this level was recommended to stimulate their productive performance and enhances their resistance against A. hydrophila infection.     

Canola oil,as a good alternative dietary lipid source in sturgeon: Effects on growth,physiology and fatty acid profile in Beluga sturgeon Huso huso L.

An 8‐week feeding trial was conducted on juvenile beluga sturgeon Huso huso to evaluate the effects of different dietary lipid levels and sources on growth performance, physiological indices, proximate composition and fatty acid (FA) profile. Four practical diets, which had either low level (120 g/kg) of canola oil (LCO) and fish oil (LFO) or high level (240 g/kg) of canola oil (HCO) and fish oil (HFO), were fed to triplicate groups of 25 beluga (mean initial body weight 207 ± 0.5 g). The growth performance of beluga was improved by replacing dietary fish oil with canola oil and increasing dietary lipid level. Except the number of red blood cells, lymphocytes, neutrophils and eosinophils, the rest of haematological factors including the values of haemoglobin, haematocrit, number of white blood cells, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations and the number of basophils and monocytes were not significantly affected by dietary lipid sources or levels. Results showed that both moisture and crude fat of the beluga muscle were affected by dietary lipid. The highest moisture and the lowest fat contents were found in the muscle of beluga fed fish oil (LFO). Moreover, the lowest moisture and the highest fat contents were observed in the muscle of beluga fed canola oil (HCO) (p < .05). The FA profile of the beluga muscle was significantly influenced by dietary treatments. The highest monounsaturated fatty acids, total n‐6 fatty acids containing linoleic acid and arachidonic acid, and total unsaturated fatty acids were found in fish fed canola oil (LCO and/or HCO) (p < .05). However, n‐3 fatty acids containing linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid were not affected by the diet (p > .05). FA profile of the beluga muscles reflected the proportions of CO and FO in the diet except that there was a decrease in oleic acid and linolenic acid, but an increase in arachidonic acid (C20:4n‐6), eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid. The obtained data showed that canola oil is an excellent source of supplemental dietary lipid in a practical fish‐meal‐based diet of beluga sturgeon under the experimental conditions. Moreover, the data demonstrated that increasing dietary lipid up to 240 g/kg in beluga sturgeon resulted to improve growth performance and haematology.