Effect of dietary probiotic Biogen® supplementation as a growth promoter on growth performance and feed utilization of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus (L.)

Probiotic microbial feed supplements are gaining wide acceptance in livestock production, and may be applicable to aquaculture production systems. The present study was conducted to examine probiotic treatment in the fingerling diet of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus (L.). A total of 240 of Nile tilapia fingerlings (weight ranged from 22.96 to 26.40 g) were divided into five experimental groups. The experiment was conducted for 120 days. Experimental diets were identical in all, except for the variation in probiotic levels. A probiotic (Biogen^®) was used at 0% (diet 1), 0.5% (diet 2), 1.5% (diet 3), 2.0% (diet 4) and 2.5% (diet 5) inclusion rates in the experimental diets. The growth performance and nutrient utilization of Nile tilapia including weight gain, specific growth rate, protein efficiency ratio, protein productive value and energy retention were significantly (P≤0.01) higher in the treatment receiving probiotic (Biogen^®) than the control diet. No differences were observed for moisture, ash and protein content (P≤0.01) among the experimental diets. The lowest gross energy and lipid contents were recorded for fish fed the diet containing 0.5% Biogen^® (P≤0.01). The production performance and subsequent cost–benefit analyses clearly indicated that the diets containing probiotic biogen recorded the highest net return and the lowest total cost compared with the control diet.     

Effects of Bacillus subtilis Strains on Growth,Immune Parameters,and Streptococcus iniae Susceptibility in Nile Tilapia,Oreochromis niloticus

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of probiotic‐amended diets fed to juvenile Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, on growth and susceptibility to Streptococcus iniae infection. Fish (average weight 16.5 ± 0.2 g) were fed five diets formulated with Bacillus subtilis strains SB3086, SB3295, SB3615, or AP193 either individually or in combination of strains SB3086 and SB3615 at a targeted concentration of approximately 4 × 10⁷ colony‐forming units (CFU)/g of feed or with a basal control diet with no additives for 21 d. After the 21‐d growth trial, no significant difference in growth performance was observed with any probiotic‐amended diet. Results from serum bactericidal activity showed a significant difference between treatments and the control (P = 0.0002), except for the SB3295‐amended diet (P = 0.9020). Lysozyme activity was also significantly different in fish fed probiotic diets from those fed control diet (P = 0.0001). After 21 d of feeding, fish were challenged with S. iniae by intraperitoneal injection at a dosage of 8 × 10⁶ CFU per fish. Results from the challenge also showed a significant difference between treatments and control (P = 0.0001). Overall, fish fed with strain SB3615 showed the lowest percent mortality (44.0 ± 7.2%) and those fed the control diet showed the highest mortality (77.3 ± 7.0%). The combined feeding with strains SB3086 and SB3615 did not result in any significant difference in reducing mortality because of S. iniae infection in juvenile Nile tilapia when compared with the individual probiotic treatments.     

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.     

Effects of dietary probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum and whey protein concentrate on the productive parameters,immunity response and susceptibility of Nile tilapia,Oreochromis niloticus (L.), to Aeromonas sobria infection

Immunostimulatory feed supplements have an increasingly interest in aquaculture management. Generally, an individual supplement was used in fish diets but it is expected that the use of multi‐supplements may show synergistic enhancements in fish performance, health, and immunity. Therefore, the present investigation was carried out to evaluate the use of dietary probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum and whey protein concentrate (WPC) in practical diets for Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. Hence, probiotic L. plantarum, WPC and their mixture were incorporated into a basal fish diet (300 g/kg crude protein) as follows: T1 = a basal control diet, T2 = a basal diet containing L. plantarum, T3 = a basal diet containing 1.0 g WCP/kg diet and T4, T5 or T6 = basal diets containing probiotic L. plantarum + 1.0, 2.0 or 3.0 g WCP/kg diet, respectively. Fish (15.2 ± 0.6 g) were fed on one of the tested diets up to apparent satiation twice a day for 60 days. After that, fish were intraperitoneally injected with pathogenic bacteria Aeromonas sobria and fish mortality was observed for 10 days postchallenge. Fish growth and feed intake were significantly improved by dietary probiotic L. plantarum (T2) and/or WPC (T3) over the control group (T1), and highest fish performance was observed in T5–T6 fish groups. Similarly, highest values of haematocrit, glucose, total proteins, albumin, and globulin were significantly observed in T5–T6 fish groups. Likewise, fish fed dietary probiotic L. plantarum (T2), WPC (T3), and their mixture (T4–T6) showed antioxidants and immune‐stimulating activities better than the control group. Fish fed the control diet were more susceptible to A. sobria infection showing highest fish mortality (75.0%). Meanwhile, dietary probiotic L. plantarum (T2), WPC (T3), and their mixture (T4–T6) enhanced significantly the fish resistance to A. sobria infection resulting in maximum values of relative percent of fish survival (73.3%–80.0%) in T5–T6 groups. The present investigation recommended the use of probiotic L. plantarum with 2.0 g WPC/kg diet to improve the growth, antioxidant, immunity responses and tolerance of Nile tilapia to A. sobria infection.     

Beneficial effects on growth,haematic indicators,immune status,antioxidant function and gut health in Juvenile Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) by dietary administration of a multi‐strain probiotic

The present study was conducted to administer a commercial multi‐strain probiotic (MP), Yilibao (Bacillus velezensis:Bacillus cereus:Lactobacillus casei = 2:2:1), in Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. In terms of aerobic Bacillus spp. counts, we produced five diets containing 0, 0.34, 1.68, 3.36 and 6.72 g/kg of MP dry product (Control, T1, T2, T3, T4). Seven hundred and fifty tilapia juveniles (13.26 ± 0.01 g) distributed into 25 tanks in five replications were fed their diet for eight weeks. Results showed that fish fed T3 and T4 diets displayed significantly higher final body weight and weight gain (p < .05). Further, all MP‐treated fish exhibited remarkably decreased plasma lipid profiles (cholesterol, triglycerides) (p < .05) and fish fed T3 and T4 diets displayed significantly higher plasma myeloperoxidase activity and complement C3 content (p < .05). Additionally, fish fed T3 and T4 diets exhibited significantly promoted total antioxidant capacity, glutathione peroxidase activity, glutathione level and declined malondialdehyde content in the plasma and/or liver (p < .05). Moreover, significantly elevated chymotrypsin activity, villus height and intraepithelial lymphocytes counts were found in fish fed T3 and T4 diets (p < .05). As fish fed T3 and T4 diets surpassed the other treatments in growth, immune–antioxidative status and gut health, the recommended dose for tilapia is 3.36–6.72 g/kg.     

Effects of dietary supplementation of a marine thermotolerant bacterium,Bacillus paralicheniformis SO‐1, on growth performance and immune responses of Nile tilapia,Oreochromis niloticus

This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of thermotolerant bacterium on growth and immune responses of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Bacillus paralicheniformis SO‐1 was isolated from marine environments and incorporated into four isonitrogenous (300g/kg crude protein; cp) and isocaloric (18 MJ/kg) diets at four concentrations: 0, 5, 10 and 20 g/kg diet. Each diet was fed to triplicate groups of Nile tilapia (41.5 ± 0.5 g average weight) at a daily rate of 3% of their biomass, three times a day for 50 days. At the end of the feeding trial, the growth rates, feed utilization efficiency (feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency ratio, protein productive value), digestive enzymes (protease, amylase and lipase) activities, immunological response (serum lysozyme activity, phagocytic activity, respiratory burst and superoxide dismutase activity) and the expression of immune‐related genes [interleukin‐1 (IL‐1), interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) and interleukin‐12 (IL‐12)] were determined. Growth rates, digestive enzymes activities and immunological parameters were significantly improved (p < 0.05) with increasing supplemental SO‐1 up to 10 g/kg. However, further increase in bacterial concentration to 20 g/kg lead to significant decline in fish performance and immune response (p < 0.05). The expression of IL‐1, IL‐4 and IL‐12 genes was significantly up‐regulated (p < 0.05) in the liver of Nile tilapia fed SO‐1‐treated diets. This study clearly demonstrated that B. paralicheniformis SO‐1 could be considered as an efficient growth promoter and immune‐stimulating probiotic for farmed Nile tilapia.     

In vivo and in vitro assessment of Lactobacillus acidophilus as probiotic for tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus,Perciformes:Cichlidae) culture improvement

In this study, the use of Lactobacillus acidophilus as a probiotic for Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) culture was studied. Fish survival and the expression of some genes involved in the immune response were assessed. Diet supplementation with L. acidophilus for 15 days caused a significant increase in fish survival during a challenge with Aeromonas hydrophila and variations in immune response related to IL‐1β and transferrin expression in Nile tilapia spleen and kidney. Moreover, extracellular products (ECPs) of L. acidophilus showed high antibacterial activity against fish pathogens such as A. hydrophila and Streptococcus agalactiae in vitro. It was also observed that viable L. acidophilus was able to disrupt quorum sensing activity in Chromobacterium violaceum.     

Diet supplemented with probiotic for Nile tilapia in polyculture system with marine shrimp

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a probiotic (Lactobacillus plantarum) supplemented diet on Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in a polyculture system with marine shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) as regards culture performance, hematology, and gut bacterial microbiota. Ten 20-m2 pens were arranged in one earthen pond and stocked with 2 fish (41.9 g) m⁻² and 10 shrimp (2.3 g) m⁻², in total of 40 Nile tilapias and 200 shrimp per experimental unit. Tilapia groups in five of the experimental units were fed a commercial diet supplemented with L. plantarum and the other five with an unsupplemented commercial diet (control). After 12 weeks of culture, the tilapia groups fed the probiotic-supplemented diet presented values 13.6, 7.5, and 7.1% higher for feed efficiency, yield, and final weight, respectively. Viable culturable heterotrophic bacteria counts were reduced, and the number of lactic acid bacteria was increased in the gut of fish and shrimp fed the probiotic-supplemented diet. Hematological analyses showed higher number of thrombocytes and leukocytes in tilapia fed the supplemented diet. L. plantarum utilized in this study colonized the gut of tilapia and shrimp and resulted in reduced number of total bacteria and increased tilapia final weight and feed efficiency.     

Nanoparticles of Arthrospira platensis improves growth,antioxidative and immunological responses of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and its resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila

Several studies investigated the usage of spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) in aquaculture as a functional dietary additive or plant proteins replacers; however, more efforts still needed to test its nano form inclusion in aquafeed. In this study, Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fed dietary spirulina (A. platensis) nanoparticles (SNP) at 0 (control), 0.1, 1 and 10 g/kg diet while the fifth diet was mixed with 10 g/kg of the normal form of A. platensis as a positive control. The final weight (FW), weight gain (WG) and feed conversion ratio of fish fed SNP at 10 g/kg displayed improved values comparing with the other groups (p < 0.05). Further, fish fed 1 g SNP had higher FW and WG than the control and 0.1 g SNP and 10 g normal A. platensis. The incorporation of SNP at 1 and 10 g/kg in Nile tilapia diets significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced total protein, albumin, globulin, lowered the values of serum glucose and activities of ALT and AST compared with control and spirulina groups. The SOD, CAT, GPx, lysozyme and respiratory burst activities were meaningfully promoted (p < 0.05) in fish received 1 and 10 g/kg diet concerning the control and spirulina groups. Nile tilapia challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila showed congestion of the kidney, liver and spleen tissues while SNP alleviated the inflammation induced by A. hydrophila. Different levels of SNP-incorporated group showed lower cumulative mortality than the other groups. In conclusion, the obtained results illustrated that spirulina in nano form is recommended to enhance Nile tilapia well-being.     

Growth performance, feed utilization, and body composition of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) fed with differently heated soybean-meal-based diets

This study was undertaken in order to determine the effect of feeding heat-treated, defatted soybean meal (SBM) on growth, feed utilization, and body composition of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). A control diet (SBM₀) of 378 g kg⁻¹ crude protein with 18.4 kJ g⁻¹ gross energy was formulated, and three diets identical to the basal diet were autoclaved for 10, 20, or 30 min. The autoclaved diets were named SBM₁₀, SBM₂₀, and SBM₃₀, respectively. Each diet treatment was applied to triplicate groups of 30 fish (2.45 ± 0.03 g) per tank (120 l). The fish were hand fed to satiation four times daily for 45 days. At the end of the feeding trial the fish fed with the SBM₃₀ diet had significantly (P < 0.05) higher weight gain and protein efficiency ratio than those fed with the other diets. No feed-related mortality was observed during the whole experimental period. Heating SBM for 30 min reduced trypsin inhibitor activity (TIA) and increased apparent protein digestibility (APD), and indicated significant differences (P < 0.05) among various treatments. No significant differences were found in carcass moisture, lipid, and ash of fish fed with different experimental diets. An increase in the body protein content of fish fed with diet SBM₃₀ was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than in all other experimental groups. The results of this study seem to indicate that autoclaving the SBM for 30 min improved its nutritional value in practical feeds for Nile tilapia fingerlings.     

Effect of feed colour on growth and feed utilization of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) larvae and fingerlings

Two experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of feed colour on the performance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) larvae and fingerlings. In the first experiment, triplicate groups of newly hatched larvae (0.01 g fish⁻¹) were stocked in 40 L glass aquaria at a density of 2 fish L⁻¹. The fish were fed a test diet (400 g kg⁻¹ crude protein) with six different colours (dark blue, dark green, red, dark brown, yellow and light brown) for 60 days. The best performance and survival were achieved in fish fed on dark‐coloured diets, while light‐coloured diets (yellow and light brown) resulted in inferior performance. Dark diets also produced higher body protein than light diets. Body water, lipids and ash showed irregular trends. In the second experiment, triplicate groups of Nile tilapia fingerlings (5.30 g fish⁻¹) were stocked in 140‐L aquaria, in a recirculating indoor system. The fish were fed a test diet (350 g kg⁻¹ crude protein) with the same colours used in the larval trial, for 60 days. Growth rates, feed efficiency, survival and body composition were not significantly affected by feed colours. These results suggest that Nile tilapia larvae are visual feeders, and they prefer dark‐coloured diets to light‐coloured diets, while fingerling fish showed no preference to diet colours.     

Effect of a Dietary Mixture of Beneficial Bacteria on Growth Performance,Health Condition,Chemical Composition,and Water Quality of Nile Tilapia,Oreochromis niloticus Fingerlings

ABSTRACT

Effects of dietary supplementation of Bifidobacterium longhum, Bifidobacterium thermophilum, Bacillus subtilis, and Lactobacillus acidophilus on growth performance, health condition, body chemical composition, and water quality of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings were evaluated. Five experimental treatments in triplicate were fed a diet containing 30% crude protein supplemented with variable inclusion of bacterial mixture: control, T1, T2, T3, and T4 containing 0, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, and 4.0 g bacterial mixture/kg diet, respectively. Fish fed the T4 diet had the highest final body weight, weight gain, specific growth rate, thermal growth coefficient, feed intake, and the best feed conversion ratio. No significant differences in body chemical composition of fish were observed in terms of dry matter, crude protein, lipid, ash, and energy content among all treatments. Probiotic supplementation showed no noticeable differences on haematological and biochemical blood parameters, except for packed cell volume, albumin, albumin/globulin ratio, aspartate transaminase, glucose, uric acid, triglycerides, and cholesterol. Conclusively, Nile tilapia fingerlings diet supplemented with evaluated probiotic with an optimal dietary supplementation of 4 g/kg diet improved growth performance and fish health without a negative impact on water quality. This supplementation could therefore be used as a probiotic in Nile tilapia fingerlings diet.     

Effects of dietary supplementation of a commercial prebiotic Previda® on survival,growth, immune responses and gut microbiota of Pacific white shrimp,Litopenaeus vannamei

A 35‐day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate growth, bacterial populations of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and immune responses of Litopenaeus vannamei fed diets containing the commercial prebiotic Previda^®. Diets were formulated to contain Previda^® at 0, 0.2, 0.5, 1.0 or 1.6 g kg^?1 by weight. At the end of the study, differences in weight gain and survival among treatments were not significant (P > 0.05), but denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analysis revealed that the microbial communities in the GIT changed significantly with the inclusion of dietary Previda^® at different levels. Previda^® was therefore able to selectively modify the microbial communities in the shrimp's GIT. Although individual bacterial species were not identified, enteric populations in shrimp fed the prebiotic at similar levels of inclusion were genetically similar. In addition, shrimp fed Previda^® at 1.6 g kg^?1 responded significantly (P < 0.05) better immunologically with respect to hemocyte phagocytic capacity, haemolymph protein, hyaline cell counts and haemolymph glucose compared with shrimp fed the basal diet. Although shrimp were not exposed to virulent pathogens in this study, the observed upregulation of some of imm‐une responses upon prebiotic supplementation indicates that an improved outcome of such challenges may be anticipated in Previda^®‐fed shrimp under commercial conditions.     

Effect of guava Psidium guajava (L.) aqueous extract diet on growth performance,intestinal morphology,immune response and survival of Oreochromis niloticus challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila

An 84‐day feeding trial was carried out to evaluate the effects of aqueous Psidium guajava leaf extract (PGE) on growth, intestinal morphology, physiology, immune response and susceptibility of Oreochromis niloticus to Aeromonas hydrophila. Diets containing 0% (P0), 0.25% (P1), 0.50% (P2), 0.75% (P3) and 1.00% (P4) PGE were fed to triplicate groups of fish (mean weight; 1.32 ± 0.04 g) for 84 days. After the 84‐day feeding trial, test fish were injected with pathogenic A. hydrophila and then fed for 14 days. More feed were consumed in groups of fish fed PGE‐treated diets and resulted in significantly higher weight gain and feed intake. Incidentally, there was an increase in the calculated area of absorption of fish fed PGE diets, as accounted for by marginally higher villi length and width. Antioxidant and immune response were improved with PGE inclusion in diets as total protein, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione S‐transferase significantly increased (p < 0.05) in fish fed PGE diets. Results of the challenge test with A. hydrophila revealed that the highest mortality (100%) was recorded in P0. This study revealed that inclusion of P. guajava extract in the diet of O. niloticus improved growth, nutrient utilization, immune system and survival of O. niloticus fingerlings.     

The in vitro efficacy of oxytetracycline against re‐isolated pathogenic Aeromonas hydrophila carrying the cytolytic enterotoxin gene through hybrid catfish,Clarias macrocephalus (Günther, 1864) × Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) in Thailand

Aeromonas hydrophila is a pathogen infecting farmed hybrid catfish, Clarias macrocephalus (Günther, 1864) × Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) which incurs substantial economic losses in Thailand. The study aimed at a genetic tracking of A. hydrophila infection and the in vitro assessment of the efficacy of antibiotics against its virulent strains. Five clinical strains from catfishes and Nile tilapia were employed. They were 3‐passage re‐isolated through healthy hybrid catfish and the cytolytic enterotoxin gene (AHCYTOEN) of individuals was traced. Each of the re‐isolates at a dose of ~6.67 × 10⁵ CFU/g was intraperitoneally injected into ~15 g‐healthy hybrid catfish and their pathogenicity were observed for 7 days. It was found that AHCYTOEN was carried over whereas typical signs of motile aeromonas septicaemia were found in the specimens. The bacterial strains of Nile tilapia origin did not induce mortality but those of catfish origins (80%–100% rate of mortality). The strains were susceptible to the tetracycline antibiotics, and oxytetracycline produced MIC₅₀ and MBC as low as 0.007–0.031 μg/ml and 1–8 μg/ml respectively. As oxytetracycline specifically inhibited pathogenic A. hydrophila in vitro, it is recommended that an appropriate dosage regimen of the drug should be established.     

Effect of soybean meal diets on the growth performance,ammonia excretion rates,gut histology and feed cost of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fry

Aquaculture development in Ghana is currently limited by inadequate supply of fingerlings and prohibitive cost of commercial feeds among other challenges. This study tested the feasibility of using low‐cost feeds containing soybean meal instead of fishmeal for nursing Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fry. Three isonitrogenous (~48% crude protein) and isoenergetic (~17 kJ/g) diets with increasing inclusions of soybean meal as partial replacements for fishmeal were formulated. A commercial fishmeal‐based fry feed served as the control diet. Triplicate groups of 225 fish per tank (average initial weight: 2.09 ± 0.14 g) were stocked in a recirculating aquaculture system and fed the experimental diets for 21 days. Afterwards, we investigated the postprandial metabolism, nutrient digestibility, growth and gut histology in Nile tilapia fry. Simple economic analyses were also conducted to assess the cost‐effectiveness of the diets used in the feed trial. The dietary inclusions of the soybean meal significantly reduced feed cost by ~43% relative to the control diet. The growth performance and feed utilization parameters did not vary significantly among the different treatments. The soybean diets elicited significant reductions in villi heights and goblet cell numbers, which corresponded with increasing dietary levels of soybean meal. This study confirms the potential of soybean meal as a partial replacement for fishmeal in Nile tilapia fry diets in terms of lower feed costs, fish growth performance, nutrient digestibility and postprandial nitrogenous excretions. The inclusion of soybean, however, affected negatively the gut integrity of the fry.     

Dietary valine requirement of juvenile Nile tilapia,Oreochromis niloticus

An 8‐week feeding trial was conducted to quantify the dietary valine requirement of cultured juvenile Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. Six isonitrogenous (280 g/kg crude protein) and isoenergetic (16.06 MJ/kg gross energy) diets with graded levels of valine (amounting to 4.1, 7.2, 9.9, 12.7, 15.6 and 18.8 g/kg of dry diet) were formulated. Each diet was randomly assigned to triplicate groups of 20 fish (6.48 ± 0.06 g). Results showed that the weight gain, specific growth rate, protein efficiency ratio and protein retention efficiency all increased with an increasing level of dietary valine up to 12.7 g/kg, but remained relatively constant for fish fed higher levels of dietary valine. In addition, the total protein concentration and aspirate aminotransferase activity in plasma, hepatic lysozyme and catalase activities were all significantly (p < .05) improved by dietary valine supplementation. Based on the broken‐line regression analysis of weight gain and protein retention efficiency, the optimal dietary valine requirement for juvenile Nile tilapia occurred between a level of 11.5 g/kg of diet (equivalent to 41.1 g/kg of dietary protein) and 12.7 g/kg of diet (equivalent to 45.3 g/kg of dietary protein).     

Effect of Indian lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) leaf powder on immune status and disease resistance of Nile tilapia

This study assessed the immune response of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) after feeding on different levels (0.1%, 0.2% and 0.4%) of dietary Indian lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) leaf powder for 45 days. We evaluated both the nonspecific immune response at the end of the feeding period and the resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila. Exposure to Indian lotus resulted in a significant elevation in serum total globulins, serum lysozyme activity, serum killing percentage and the phagocytic activity (p < 0.05). Total serum protein and albumin showed no remarkable variation between tilapia fed on 0.1% Indian lotus and the control group (p > 0.05). In addition, the relative expressions of immune‐related genes, namely interleukin–1β and tumour necrosis factor–α were significantly up‐regulated in tilapia fed on 0.4% Indian lotus as compared to the control group; their expressions were down‐regulated in the other tested groups (p < 0.05). The survival rate of Nile tilapia postchallenge to A. hydrophila reported a significant and dose‐dependent increase in the Indian lotus‐supplemented groups (p < 0.05). Therefore, dietary incorporation of Indian lotus leaves (0.4%, 0.2% and 0.1%) could strengthen the immunity of Nile tilapia and improve its resistance to A. hydrophila infection. Therefore, Indian lotus leaves could serve as potential feed supplements for Nile tilapia.     

Live Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) as a growth and immunity promoter for Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (L.), challenged with pathogenic Aeromonas hydrophila

The use of antibiotics to control fish disease is one of the constraints in tilapia farming. Hence, the use of probiotic and live organisms as alternative strategies has received much more attention. This study was undertaken to evaluate the use of Spirulina (Arthrospir platensis) as a growth and immunity promoter for Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (L.). Fish (1.88 g) were randomly distributed at 20 fish per 100 L aquarium and fed a diet containing either 0.0, 1.25, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 or 10.0 g Spirulina kg^?1 diet for 12 weeks. After the feeding trial, fish of each treatment were challenged by pathogenic Aeromonas hydrophila, which was given by an interperitoneal injection, and they were kept under observation for 10 days to record any abnormal clinical signs and the daily mortality rate. The growth‐promoting influence of Spirulina was observed with fish, and the optimum growth and feed utilization were obtained at 5.0 g Spirulina kg^?1 diet. No significant changes were observed in fish survival among the different treatments. Spirulina supplementation improved the protein and lipid contents in fish bodies without significant differences among them, especially when fed 2.5–10.0 g kg^?1 diet, but no significant differences in the moisture and ash contents were observed among different treatments. The physiological parameters were improved when fish were fed a Spirulina‐enriched diet. However, the highest red blood cells, white blood cells and nitro blue tetrazolium values were obtained at 5.0–10.0 g Spirulina kg^?1 diet; meanwhile, the lowest value was obtained in the control. Total fish mortality due to A. hydrophila infection decreased with an increase in the Spirulina level in fish diets. These results indicate that Spirulina supplement is promising as an alternative method to antibiotics for disease prevention in tilapia aquaculture, and the optimum level of Spirulina in the fish diet should be 5.0–10.0 g kg^?1 diet.     

The Use of American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolium) in Practical Diets for Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus): Growth Performance and Challenge with Aeromonas hydrophila

This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of American ginseng (AG), Panax quinquefolium, on growth and resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila in Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. Ginseng was included in practical test diets at rates of 0.0 (control), 0.50, 1.0, 2.0, or 5.0 g/kg diet. Fish (9.1 ± 0.3 g) were distributed into quadricated 100-L aquaria at a density of 20 fish per aquarium. Fish in all treatments were fed up to satiation twice daily for 8 weeks. After the feeding trial, fish of each treatment were intraperitoneally injected with pathogenic A. hydrophila and kept under observation for 10 days. Highest growth was obtained at 1.0 – 5.0 g AG/kg diet. The survival of fish challenged by A. hydrophila increased with increasing AG levels in fish diets. Cost-benefit analysis indicated that ginseng supplementation could reduce per kg costs by 15% with an optimum inclusion level of 2.0 g/kg.