大口黑鲈“优鲈1号”选育群体肌肉营养成分和品质评价

对大口黑鲈[Micropterus salmoides(Lacépède)]"优鲈1号"(以下简称"优鲈1号")与非选育群体(简称对照组)的肌肉营养成分及营养品质进行分析比较。结果表明,"优鲈1号"和对照组肌肉中水分、粗蛋白、粗脂肪、粗灰分含量分别为73.63%和74.35%、19.34%和19.42%、4.45%和4.67%、1.09%和1.12%,统计分析表明,"优鲈1号"肌肉中水分和粗脂肪含量低于对照组,粗蛋白和粗灰分含量与对照组差异不显著(P>0.05)。对6种矿物质元素进行检测,"优鲈1号"和对照组肌肉中钙(Ca)、镁(Mg)、铁(Fe)、锌(Zn)和硒(Se)含量分别为428.34 mg/kg和424.57 mg/kg、252.63 mg/kg和259.77 mg/kg、6.92 mg/kg和5.76 mg/kg、7.73 mg/kg和5.77 mg/kg、0.40 mg/kg和0.41 mg/kg,统计分析显示"优鲈1号"肌肉中铁(Fe)和锌(Zn)含量显著高于对照组(P<0.05),其他元素差异均不显著(P>0.05)。"优鲈1号"和对照组肌肉中均测定出17种氨基酸,其总氨基酸(TAA)、必需氨基酸(EAA)和鲜味氨基酸(DAA)含量分别为18.10 mg/100 g和17.17 mg/100 g、9.46 mg/100 g和8.72 mg/100 g、8.00 mg/100 g和7.80 mg/100 g,统计分析显示差异均不显著(P>0.05)。根据氨基酸评分(AAS)和化学评分(CS)计算结果,第一限制性氨基酸均为蛋氨酸+胱氨酸(Met+Cys)。"优鲈1号"和对照组肌肉中均检测到28种脂肪酸,其中饱和脂肪酸(SFA)、单不饱和脂肪酸(MUFA)、多不饱和脂肪酸(PUFA)分别为13.96 g/kg和14.68 g/kg、13.66 g/kg和14.72 g/kg、16.37 g/kg和16.58 g/kg,其中饱和脂肪酸/不饱和脂肪酸(SFA/UFA)均为0.47。综上所述,"优鲈1号"仅在水分、粗脂肪、铁(Fe)和锌(Zn)含量上略优于对照组,其他肌肉营养成分和含量差异均不显著(P>0.05)。     

维生素E对虎龙杂交斑生长、抗氧化及免疫功能的影响

为研究虎龙杂交斑对维生素E(V_E)的最适需求量，评估V_E对虎龙杂交斑生长性能、抗氧化和免疫功能的影响，实验设计了6组VE含量分别为4.1、26.3、40.7、57.1、116.8、209.6 mg/kg的等能(340 kcal/100 g干物质)、等蛋白(占饲料干重的51.5%)、等脂(占饲料干重的9%)的实验饲料，每组3个平行。实验鱼初始均重为(14.22±0.01) g，养殖实验期间每日饱食投喂2次(8:00和16:30)，周期为8周。生长实验结束后每组随机挑选7尾实验鱼进行72 h铜胁迫实验。实验结果显示，摄食57.1 mg/kg VE饲料实验鱼增重率(WG)显著高于摄食4.1 mg/kg VE饲料实验鱼，各实验组肥满度(CF)、肝体比(HSI)和肠系膜脂肪比(IPF)无显著差异。全鱼和肌肉水分、粗蛋白和粗脂肪含量在各V_E处理组之间也无显著差异。摄食209.6 mg/kg VE饲料实验鱼肝脏VE含量高于摄食4.1 mg/kg VE饲料实验鱼。肝脏总抗氧化能力(T-AOC)、血清溶菌酶(LZM)活性和免疫球蛋白(Ig...     

烟酸对杂交鲟幼鱼生长性能、肌肉品质和抗氧化功能的影响

为评价饲料中添加不同水平的烟酸对杂交鲟(Acipenser schrenckii♂×A. baeri♀)幼鱼生长性能、肌肉成分、肌肉质构和抗氧化性能的影响,在基础饲料中分别添加0 mg/kg、30 mg/kg、120 mg/kg、1200 mg/kg的烟酸配制成4种实验饲料,投喂初始体重(54.41±0.79)g的杂交鲟幼鱼84d,实验分为4组,每组3个重复,每个重复15尾鱼。结果表明:饲料添加不同水平的烟酸对杂鲟幼鱼增重率有显著影响(P0.05), 0 mg/kg组增重率显著低于30 mg/kg、120 mg/kg、1200 mg/kg烟酸组(P0.05),各添加组之间无显著差异(P0.05)。各组成活率、饲料系数和肝体比不受饲料烟酸的影响(P0.05)。120 mg/kg烟酸组的肥满度显著低于0 mg/kg、30 mg/kg、1200 mg/kg烟酸组, 0 mg/kg、30mg/kg、1200mg/kg烟酸组之间肥满度无显著差异(P0.05)。120mg/kg烟酸组的脏体比显著低于0mg/kg和1200 mg/kg烟酸组(P0.05),与30 mg/kg烟酸之间无显著差异(P0.05)。肌肉硬度和弹性随烟酸添加水平呈现先增加后降低的趋势, 1200 mg/kg烟酸组的肌肉硬度和弹性显著低于其余各烟酸添加组(P0.05)。30 mg/kg烟酸组的肌肉咀嚼性、回复性和黏性均在各组之间最大,且显著高于0 mg/kg、120 mg/kg、1200 mg/kg烟酸组(P0.05)。30 mg/kg烟酸组的肌肉凝聚性显著高于0 mg/kg、120 mg/kg、1200 mg/kg烟酸组(P0.05), 0 mg/kg、120 mg/kg、1200 mg/kg烟酸组之间无显著差异(P0.05)。肌肉水分、粗蛋白、粗脂肪和灰分含量不受饲料烟酸影响(P0.05)。30 mg/kg烟酸组肌肉T-SOD活力显著高于0 mg/kg和120 mg/kg烟酸组(P0.05),与1200 mg/kg烟酸组无显著差异(P0.05)。30 mg/kg烟酸组肌肉T-AOC活力显著高于0 mg/kg、120 mg/kg、1200 mg/kg烟酸组(P0.05), 0 mg/kg、120 mg/kg、1200 mg/kg烟酸组之间无显著差异(P0.05)。综上所述,饲料中添加烟酸对杂交鲟幼鱼的生长、肉质和抗氧化性能均有一定的改善作用,鲟鱼饲料中烟酸的建议添加量为30 mg/kg。     

许氏平鲉幼鱼对饲料中维生素B6需求量的研究

本实验旨在研究饲料中维生素B6含量对许氏平鲉(Sebastes schlegeli)幼鱼生长、体成分、肝脏酶活和转氨酶基因表达的影响,以确定其对维生素B6的需求量。配制6组维生素B6实际含量分别为2.08(对照组)、3.25、4.16、6.32、10.17和31.14 mg/kg的实验饲料,饲喂初始体重为(36.35± 0.06) g的许氏平鲉幼鱼63 d。结果显示,随着维生素B6含量的增加,实验鱼的增重率(WGR)和特定生长率(SGR)均呈先升高后降低的趋势,4.16 mg/kg组达到最高。4.16 mg/kg组脏体比(VSI)显著高于对照组(P<0.05),3.25?10.17 mg/kg组的肝体比(HSI)和肠体比(ISI)显著高于对照组(P<0.05)。3.25?31.14 mg/kg组的肌肉水分含量显著低于对照组(P<0.05),全鱼和肌肉的粗蛋白和粗脂肪均呈先升后降的趋势。肝脏超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活力先升高后降低,4.16?10.17 mg/kg组显著高于对照组(P<0.05);丙二醛含量(MDA)先降低后升高,3.25?31.14 mg/kg组显著低于对照组(P<0.05);肝脏维生素B6含量先升高后平稳;3.25?31.14 mg/kg组谷草转氨酶(GOT)和谷丙转氨酶(GPT)活力显著高于对照组(P<0.05)。谷草转氨酶(GOT1和GOT2)基因相对表达量先升后降,3.25?31.14 mg/kg组显著高于对照组(P<0.05);谷丙转氨酶(GPT1和GPT2)基因相对表达量先升后降,均在6.32 mg/kg组达到最大值;酪氨酸转氨酶(TAT)基因相对表达量先升后降,4.16?10.17 mg/kg组显著高于其他组(P<0.05);丝氨酸转氨酶(SerC)基因相对表达量呈下降趋势,4.16?31.14 mg/kg组显著低于对照组和3.25 mg/kg组(P<0.05)。以WGR、肝脏维生素B6含量和GPT为评价指标,经折线回归分析表明,体重36 g的许氏平鲉幼鱼维生素B6的需求量为3.53?6.32 mg/kg饲料。     

草鱼幼鱼肌醇营养需要量的研究

以酪蛋白、明胶和鱼粉为蛋白源,配制含肌醇水平分别为0、50 mg/kg、100 mg/kg、200 mg/kg、400 mg/kg8、00 mg/kg、1 600 mg/kg的7组实验饲料。每组设3个重复,连续投喂体质量(4.78±0.18)g的草鱼(Ctenopharyngodon idella)幼鱼9周,通过测定生长指标、部分血清生化指标和全鱼营养成分来评价饲料肌醇添加水平对草鱼幼鱼的影响。结果表明,饲料中肌醇添加水平≥200 mg/kg使草鱼幼鱼增重率(WGR)、特定生长率、血清中总胆固醇(TC)和低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)含量与对照组相比有显著提高(P<0.05),而血清甘油三酯(TG)含量比对照组有显著降低(P<0.05);200 mg/kg和400 mg/kg肌醇添加组草鱼幼鱼饲料系数(FCR)比对照组有显著降低(P<0.05);饲料中添加肌醇对草鱼幼鱼存活率、血清中高密度脂蛋白胆固醇和全鱼营养成分无显著影响(P>0.05)。对WGR、FCR、TC、TG和LDL-C进行折线回归分析得出饲料中肌醇添加水平为166～214 mg/kg对草鱼幼鱼的生长比较适宜。     

饲料中不同维生素E添加量对黄颡鱼幼鱼生长性能及免疫功能的影响

本研究探讨了饲料中不同维生素E添加量对黄颡鱼(Pelteobagrus fulvidraco)幼鱼生长和免疫的影响。在以鱼粉、豆粕为蛋白源的基础饲料中分别添加0mg/kg(对照组)、25mg/kg、75mg/kg、125mg/kg和175mg/kg的维生素E配成5种实验饲料。在水温(24.0±3.0)℃下,用上述实验饲料分别饲喂平均体质量约为5.1g的黄颡鱼幼鱼50d。实验结果表明,饲料中维生素E的添加量对黄颡鱼的特定生长率和饲料效率的影响不显著(P0.05);而添加量为175mg/kg时,黄颡鱼摄食率显著降低(P0.05);随着饲料中维生素E添加量的增高,黄颡鱼血浆超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)的活性未产生显著变化(P0.05);添加量为125mg/kg和175mg/kg时,血浆中丙二醛(MDA)的含量显著降低(P0.05);白细胞吞噬指数随添加量升高显著上升(P0.05),而吞噬百分率没有显著变化(P0.05)。综合以上结果,饲料中添加适量的维生素E可适当改善黄颡鱼的摄食,增强黄颡鱼的非特异性免疫力和抗氧化能力,从而提高动物的健康状况。推荐在黄颡鱼幼鱼饲料中添加125mg/kg的维生素E。     

高水平烟酸对吉富罗非鱼脂代谢和体脂沉积的影响

为探讨高水平烟酸对鱼类脂代谢和体脂沉积的影响,本研究以吉富罗非鱼(Oreochromisniluticus)为研究对象,设计了2个实验。在实验I中,为确定烟酸是否具有改善血脂作用及其适宜水平,首先通过高糖高脂饲料喂养初始体重(15.28±0.23) g的实验鱼40 d,建立高血脂模型,随后改投添加500 mg/kg、1000 mg/kg、2000 mg/kg烟酸的饲料。结果发现添加500～2000mg/kg的烟酸,均有降低实验鱼血清胆固醇和甘油三酯水平的作用,但以1000～2000 mg/kg的效果较为显著。在实验Ⅱ中,采用2×2双因素实验设计,研究了2种饲料类型(对照组和高糖高脂饲料)和2个烟酸水平(100 mg/kg和1000 mg/kg)对初始体重(24.45±0.07) g实验鱼生长、饲料利用、血脂水平和体成分的影响。养殖8周。结果发现,饲料类型或烟酸水平未对实验鱼的末体重、增重率、特定生长率、肥满度、脏体比和肠脂比,以及全鱼粗脂肪、粗蛋白、水分和灰分含量等生长性能指标产生显著影响(P0.05);对饲料粗蛋白和粗脂肪的表观消化率、饲料系数、摄食率等饲料利用指标也未产生显著影响(P0.05)。与投喂对照组饲料的相比,投喂高糖高脂饲料的实验鱼对饲料干物质和总能的表观消化率,及其血清胆固醇、甘油三酯和游离脂肪酸水平,肝脏、内脏、腹肌的粗脂肪含量显著升高(P0.05);而投喂高水平烟酸实验鱼的血清低密度脂蛋白、胆固醇和游离脂肪酸水平,肝脏粗脂肪含量则显著降低(P0.05)。饲料类型和烟酸水平仅对实验鱼血清的高密度脂蛋白和胆固醇水平存在显著的交互作用(P0.05)。结果表明,饲料中添加1000 mg/kg烟酸不会影响吉富罗非鱼的生长性能和饲料利用,并具有降低血脂水平和肝脏脂肪含量的作用。     

军曹鱼幼鱼对吡哆醇的需要量

以初始体重(3.23±0.06)g的军曹鱼为研究对象,以酪蛋白(不含维生素)、明胶、鱼肉浓缩蛋白为蛋白源,在基础饲料中分别添加0、2、4、8、16和32mgPN/kg,配制出6种实验饲料,使饲料中吡哆醇的水平分别达到0.22、1.89、3.87、7.54、14.75和29.88mgPN/kg,研究军曹鱼对吡哆醇的需要量。养殖实验在室内流水系统中(250L)进行,每个处理设3个重复,每个重复放养军曹鱼25尾。养殖实验过程中,海水盐度为30～34,水温28～32℃,溶氧>7mg/L,养殖实验持续9周。实验结果显示,在0.22～3.87mgPN/kg水平范围内,随着饲料中吡哆醇含量的升高,实验鱼特定生长率显著升高,当饲料吡哆醇水平达到或高于3.87mg/kg时,各饲料组实验鱼的特定生长率(2.68～2.71%/d)无显著差异,而都显著高于0.22和1.89mg/kg饲料组的特定生长率(1.17～2.06%/d)P<0.05)。军曹鱼肝脏吡哆醇含量、吡哆醛含量、谷丙转氨酶活力、谷草转氨酶活力均与特定生长率有相似的变化趋势,即在3.87mg/kg饲料组接近或者达到最大值,在达到或超过3.87mg/kg时达到或近似达到一...     

俄家禽产品中重金属含量超标

俄学者克罗尔等用原子吸收法检测了配合饲料、肉骨粉、石灰石(俄产)、鱼粉(比利时和丹麦产)、豆饼(印度产)、浓缩饲料(比利时和荷兰产),以及肉、肾、蛋粉等中某些重金属的含量。1.饲料中某些重金属的最大允许含量(ПДК)：汞为0.1mg/kg,镉为0.4mg/kg,铅为5mg/kg,铜为80mg/kg,锌为100mg/kg,铁为200mg/g。经检测：配合饲料含镉0.25～0.85mg/kg,含铅0.25～10.5mg/kg有所超标;鱼粉含镉0.57～0.59mg/kg,含铅11.82～12.25mg/kg超标;肉骨粉含镉1.15～1.68mg/kg,含铅13.75～25.40mg/kg明显超标。     

尖头金线鲤人工繁殖初步研究

用人绒毛膜促性腺激素(HCG)、促黄体素释放激素类似物(LRH-A2)、马来酸地欧酮(DOM)组合对尖头金线鲃(Sinocyclocheilus oxycephalus)催产获得成功,用鲤脑垂体5 mg/kg和人绒毛膜促性腺激素1 000 IU/kg组合催产失败.采取2次注射(第1次注射LRH-A2 2μg/kg,第2次注射LRH-A2 8μg/kg+DOM 3 mg/ks+HCG1 000 IU/kg)催产效果明显;采取遮光孵化,孵化率明显提高.     

Association between the interannual variation in the oceanic environment and catch rates of bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) in the Atlantic Ocean

The environmental processes associated with variability in the catch rates of bigeye tuna in the Atlantic Ocean are largely unexplored. This study used generalized additive models (GAMs) fitted to Taiwanese longline fishery data from 1990 to 2009 and investigated the association between environmental variables and catch rates to identify the processes influencing bigeye tuna distribution in the Atlantic Ocean. The present findings reveal that the year (temporal factor), latitude and longitude (spatial factors), and major regular longline target species of albacore catches are significant for the standardization of bigeye tuna catch rates in the Atlantic Ocean. The standardized catch rates and distribution of bigeye tuna were found to be related to environmental and climatic variation. The model selection processes showed that the selected GAMs explained 70% of the cumulative deviance in the entire Atlantic Ocean. Regarding environmental factors, the depth of the 20 degree isotherm (D20) substantially contributed to the explained deviance; other important factors were sea surface temperature (SST) and sea surface height deviation (SSHD). The potential fishing grounds were observed with SSTs of 22–28°C, a D20 shallower than 150 m and negative SSHDs in the Atlantic Ocean. The higher predicted catch rates were increased in the positive northern tropical Atlantic and negative North Atlantic Oscillation events with a higher SST and shallow D20, suggesting that climatic oscillations affect the population abundance and distribution of bigeye tuna.     

Rare serotype occurrence and PFGE genotypic diversity of Streptococcus agalactiae isolated from tilapia in China

Previously, we reported 10 PEGE types of 85 tilapia Streptococcus agalactiae(GBS), which shifted from Streptococcus iniae in China, by using PEGE method. Presently, larger and more representative tilapia GBS were isolated, for the ?rst time in China, to characterize their serotypes and genetic diversities more precisely than had done before. 168 GBS strains were distributed in ?ve provinces of China, in which Guangdong, Guangxi and Hainan were the major ones, holding36.9%(62/168), 37.5%(63/168) and 19.6%(33/168), respectively. Serotypes, Ia, Ib and III, were observed in these strains and the most predominant one was Ia(95.2%), which mainly distributed in Guangdong, Guangxi and Hainan. Ia initially occurred in 2009, it shoot up to 32.1% in 2010,but decreased to 16.1% in 2011 before went up to 45.2% in 2012. Ib sporadically occurred during2007–2011, III onlyoccurred in 2012. 14 different PFGE types, including 4 new types(N, O,P and Q), were observed, in which B, D, F and G were the predominant types, holding 83.9%(141/168) of the total GBS strains. Ia corresponded to 11 PFGE types(A–H, N–P), in which type D predominated(51%). Ib represented 3 genotypes(I, J and Q) and III harbored only 2genotypes(N and F). Type N and Fsynchronously presented in Ia and III. In summary, the genetic diversity of tilapia GBS varied by serotypes and changed with geographical locations and years.Although Iastillpredominated, new rareserotypeIII alreadyoccurred in China.     

Growth performance,digestive enzyme activity and immune response of Japanese sea bass,Lateolabrax japonicus fed with fructooligosaccharide

In this experiment, a feeding trial was performed to determine the effects of fructooligosaccharide (FOS) on growth performance, digestive enzyme activity and immune response of Japanese sea bass, Lateolabrax japonicus juveniles (initial weight 38.3 ± 0.5 g), and the fish were examined following feeding with six levels of FOS (0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4 and 6 g/kg) for 28 days. Significant enhancement of weight gain (WG) and specific growth rate (SGR) was found in fish fed 1 g/kg FOS incorporated diets (p < .05), while the feed conversion ratio (FCR) in the 1, 2 g/kg FOS groups reduced significantly compared with the control (p < .05). Besides, the crude lipid in the 4, 6 g/kg FOS groups increased significantly compared with the control (p < .05). On the other hand, the erepsin and lipase activities significantly elevated in intestine of fish fed 2 g/kg FOS (p < .05) and the lysozyme activity in serum of fish fed 2 g/kg FOS were significantly higher than that in the control (p < .05). Moreover, the alkaline phosphatase activities in serum of fish fed 0.5, 1, 2 g/kg FOS were significantly higher than in control (p < .05). Regression analysis showed that the relationships between dietary FOS levels and either SGR, FCR, erepsin or lysozyme activities were best expressed by regression equations, and the optimal inclusion levels are 1.37, 1.80, 3.06, 3.11, 1.93 and 1.80 g/kg for SGR, FCR, erepsin, lipase, lysozyme and total superoxide dismutase activities, respectively. Overall, this study revealed that FOS incorporated diets could beneficial for L. japonicus culture in terms of increasing the growth, digestion and immune activities. Under the present experimental condition, the optimal supplementary level of FOS in the diet of L. japonicus is 1–3 g/kg.     

Purification and partial characterization of GtHs (cfLH and cfFSH) from Indian walking catfish (Clarias batrachus) (L.) and development of a homologous ELISA for cfLH

Two gonadotropins (GtH; Qa and Qb) were purified by gel filtration and ion exchange chromatography from the pituitaries of Indian walking catfish (Clarias batrachus). The presence of GtH during purification was assessed by in vitro oocyte maturation and in vivo steroidogenic activity, and their identities were determined by elution profiles, molecular weight, biological activities and yield. The molecular weights of Qa and Qb were 37 and 42 kDa, respectively, and composed of distinct subunits (Qa: 20 and 14 kDa and Qb: 26 and 18 kDa). Polyclonal antibodies raised against Qa immunostained Qa, Qb and pituitary GtH cells. A competitive Qa‐ELISA was developed whose sensitivity was 6.25 ng mL^?1 (1.25 ng well^?1) with intra‐ (3.5%) and inter‐ (12.4%) assay coefficients of variation. Displacement curves parallel to the standard were obtained with plasma and pituitary extracts of catfish, Qb and carp GtHII. The assay was validated by measuring the plasma Qa levels after LHRH treatment and in relation to ovarian growth in the female catfish during different reproductive phases. Based on the results, Qa and Qb corresponded to fish LH and FSH respectively. The findings will increase the knowledge of the mechanisms controlling fish reproduction and identification of sensitive phases in fish in captivity for hormonal manipulation.     

Controlled infection of Poecilia reticulata Peters (guppy) with Tetrahymena by immersion and intraperitoneal injection

Tetrahymena is a protozoan parasite, which infects guppy, Poecilia reticulata Peters, and causes substantial economical losses in commercial farms worldwide. Studies of guppy infected by Tetrahymena require standardized infection protocols. The LD50 for Tetrahymena infection of guppies by intraperitoneal (IP) injection was calibrated, and the level obtained was 946 parasites per fish. Guppy infection with Tetrahymena by immersion, imitating the natural route of infection via the integument, was studied under normal or stress conditions. Exposure to cold and netting (CNI) and to cold only (CI) followed by immersion exposure to 10 000 Tetrahymena per mL resulted in 22.5% and 19.2% mortality, respectively, as compared to 14.2% and 10% in groups that were netted only (NI) or non‐stressed (I). Histopathology revealed that immersion infection resulted in a systemic infection. Lysozyme levels, measured 3 weeks after infection, were significantly higher in the CNI group (288 μg per mg protein) compared with CI‐, NI‐ and I‐treated groups (94.5, 64 and 62.3 μg mg^?1, respectively). There was no evident parasite immobilization activity in body homogenates, suggesting no development of acquired immunity. Re‐infection by IP injection revealed no increase in protection in any of the treatment groups, mortality range of 56.3–75%, higher than in the non‐exposed control (40.6% mortality).     

Protein and amino acid composition from the mantle of juvenile O ctopus vulgaris exposed to prolonged starvation

Protein and amino acid composition of the mantle of juvenile O ctopus vulgaris (Cuvier, 1797) during fasting for 27 days were determined. Average protein content of octopus mantle was of 711.19 ± 46.80 g kg^?1 DW, and it decreased with increasing fasting days. The non‐essential amino acids content was higher (486.18 ± 11.08 g kg^?1 protein) than essential amino acids (425.82 ± 9.15 g kg^?1 protein) at the start of the experiment (unstarved animals). The results suggest that the amino acid profile of the mantle where the most abundant amino acids are Arg, His, Lys, Gly, Leu and Pro could indicate a prolonged fasting condition (>20 days) or poor nutrition of O . vulgaris. This study supports the idea of using mantle for metabolic needs of starved O . vulgaris suggesting that the degradation pathway of amino acids to pyruvate and tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates was favoured contrary to the degradation pathway of ketogenic amino acids. Special considerations should be taken concerning Thr, Ile, Ser, Ala, Asx (Asp, Asn), Glx (Glu, Gln) (because of their fast intake) and Lys and His (due to their stable contents) during a prolonged period of fasting.     

Imported ornamental fish are colonized with antibiotic‐resistant bacteria

There has been growing concern about the overuse of antibiotics in the ornamental fish industry and its possible effect on the increasing drug resistance in both commensal and pathogenic organisms in these fish. The aim of this study was to carry out an assessment of the diversity of bacteria, including pathogens, in ornamental fish species imported into North America and to assess their antibiotic resistance. Kidney samples were collected from 32 freshwater ornamental fish of various species, which arrived to an importing facility in Portland, Oregon from Colombia, Singapore and Florida. Sixty‐four unique bacterial colonies were isolated and identified by PCR using bacterial 16S primers and DNA sequencing. Multiple isolates were identified as bacteria with potential to cause disease in both fish and humans. The antibiotic resistance profile of each isolate was performed for nine different antibiotics. Among them, cefotaxime (16% resistance among isolates) was the antibiotic associated with more activity, while the least active was tetracycline (77% resistant). Knowing information about the diversity of bacteria in imported ornamental fish, as well as the resistance profiles for the bacteria will be useful in more effectively treating clinical infected fish, and also potential zoonoses in the future.     

Effect of iodophor disinfection of non‐hardened Salmo trutta eggs on their bacterial and fungus load

This study investigated the efficiency of iodophor disinfection (135 ppm active iodine for 15–30 min) of non‐hardened Salmo trutta eggs against different groups of bacteria and against fungus. Egg samples were taken from non‐disinfected and from disinfected eggs, microorganisms were cultured on specific nutrient media and their mass was measured by turbidimetric methods. Bacteria and fungus mass of non‐hardened eggs could be reduced but not eliminated by iodophor disinfection with 135 ppm active iodine for 15 min. The extent of reduction was 47–65% (Experiment 1). The efficiency of disinfection increased with disinfection time as the reduction in bacteria and fungus mass was 40–55% after 15 min and 58–74% after 30 min (Experiment 2). Disinfection efficiency of iodophor solution diluted in water (reduction 49–57%) and of iodophor solution diluted in sodium chloride solution iso‐osmolar to the oocytes (reduction 52–61%) was similar (Experiment 3). The reduction in bacteria and fungus mass was persistent as it was 39–72% lower in embryos deriving from disinfected eggs than in embryos deriving from non‐disinfected ones (Experiment 4). In conclusion, the tested disinfection method is inadequate to eliminate pathogens completely but it could positively influence immune defence of eggs and embryos.     

Influence of the antibacterial herbs, Solanum trilobatum, Andrographis paniculata and Psoralea corylifolia on the survival, growth and bacterial load of Penaeus monodon post larvae

The indiscriminate use of antibiotics and chemicals in shrimp hatcheries has led to biomagnification and that in turn could lead to rejection of a whole consignment. The application of the bioencapsulation technique as a tool for curative treatment in shrimp larvae was investigated. Herbs having antibacterial properties such as Solanum trilobatum, Andrographis paniculata and Psoralea corylifolia (methanolic extracts) were bioencapsulated in Artemia and fed to Penaeus monodon post larvae PL 1–25. The post larvae were reared in a medium inoculated with pathogenic bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi and Vibrio sp. Post larvae reared in the non-inoculated water and fed with non-enriched Artemia exhibited 90% survival, highest specific growth rate (12.43%) and reduced bacterial load. P. monodon reared in the bacterial inoculated water and fed with the non-enriched Artemia exhibited the lowest survival (10–30%), specific growth rate (8.42–9.1%) and increased bacterial load (2.86 × 10³ to 3.76 × 10⁵ cfu/g). The methanolic extracts of the herbs helped to increase survival and specific growth rate and reduced bacterial load in the P. monodon culture system. Among the three herbal extracts, P. corylifolia enriched Artemia fed post larvae showed the tendency to higher survival (>50%), growth rate (11.5 averaged) and low bacterial load (1.12 × 10⁵ cfu/g). This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Involvement of gonadal steroids in final oocyte maturation of white perch (Morone americana) and white bass (M. chrysops): in vivo and in vitro studies

Plasma estradiol-17 (E₂), testosterone (T), 17,20-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (DHP) and 17,20,21-tri-hydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (20-S) levels were measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA) in white perch (Morone americana) and white bass (M. chrysops) that were induced to undergo final oocyte maturation (FOM) with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Plasma DHP levels increased in females of both species in association with oocyte germinal vesicle migration (GVM) and germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) and decreased thereafter. Plasma 20-S levels also increased with oocyte GVM in white bass, but were several-fold lower than DHP levels. Circulating E₂ and T levels were greatest during GVM and GVBD in both species and decreased to low levels during oocyte hydration and ovulation. Follicles from white perch and white bass which received a priming injection of hCG in vivo, produced both DHP and 20-S in vitro after exposure to hCG and their oocytes underwent GVBD. Ovarian incubates from unprimed fish of either species produced only E₂ and T and their oocytes did not complete GVBD. Oocytes from unprimed bass, but not perch, matured when follicles were exposed to hCG in vitro. Both trilostane and cycloheximide blocked in vitro production of DHP and 20-S and oocyte GVBD by white perch follices. DHP and 20-S were equipotent inducers of FOM in the GVBD bioassay. None of several other structurally-related steroids tested were effective within a physiological range of concentrations. These results indicate a role for DHP and 20-S in the control of FOM in white perch and white bass.