Evaluation of solid‐state fermented protein concentrates as a fish meal replacer in the diets of juvenile rainbow trout,Oncorhynchus mykiss

We evaluated four fermented protein concentrates (FPCs) as a fish meal replacer in juvenile rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss. Ten diets were formulated to contain low‐temperature fish meal (LT‐FM), Vietnam fish meal (VT‐FM) and four types of FPCs as fish meal replacers (FPC‐A, B, C & D) at 30% and 50% FM replacement levels. FPC‐A was a mixture of solid‐state fermented soybean meal (SBM) and corn gluten meal (CGM) with Bacillus subtilis; FPC‐B was pretreated acid‐hydrolysed FPC‐A; FPC‐C and FPC‐D were FPC‐A + 2% shrimp soluble extract (SSE) and FPC‐B + 2% SSE, respectively. Triplicate groups of fish (average 15.4 g) were fed one of the experimental diets for 8 weeks. At the end of the feeding trial, fish fed the LT‐FM, FPC‐B, FPC‐C and FPC‐D diets showed significantly higher growth performance at 30% FM replacement than those of fish fed the FPC diets at 50% FM replacement. Fish fed 30FPC‐B, 30FPC‐C and 30FPC‐D diets showed higher weight gain (WG) than fish fed 30FPC‐A diet. Haematological parameters showed no clear trends among the experimental groups. Superoxide dismutase, lysozyme and myeloperoxidase activities were found to be higher in fish fed the LT‐FM, FPC‐A, FPC‐B, FPC‐C and FPC‐D diets at 30% FM replacement than in fish fed the FPC diets at 50% FM replacement. Antinutritional factors such as α‐ and β‐conglycinin, glycinin, trypsin inhibitors or zein were absent in FPC compared with SBM and CGM. Intestinal villi length and muscular thickness were significantly reduced in fish fed the VT‐FM and FPC diets at 50% FM replacement compared to fish fed the LT‐FM and FPC diets at 30% FM replacement. The results show that FPC‐B, FPC‐C, FPC‐D could replace up to 30% of LT‐FM in juvenile rainbow trout.     

Peruvian fish meal has comparative potential to enzyme-treated Chilean fish meal as protein source of diet for larvae and juvenile Pacific bluefin tuna Thunnus orientalis

The present study aimed to evaluate suitable protein sources of formulated diet to replace prey fish. Regarding the test diet, the two dietary treatments (FM: Peruvian anchovy fish meal, and ETFM: enzyme-treated Chilean fish meal) were employed. Prey fish (PF; spangled emperor fish Lethrinus nebulosus) was used as a control. FM and ETFM diets are fed together with a limited amount of PF to Pacific bluefin tuna (PBT) larvae having an initial mean total length of 17.9 mm and body weight of 52.8 mg at 20 days post-hatching during the weaning period. Survival and growth were compared after 10 days of the feeding trial. Survival was significantly higher in the PF group than the FM and ETFM group. The PF group had significantly greater growth performance than the other groups. Between FM and ETFM groups, fish in the FM group showed significantly better growth than the ETFM group. Regarding the essential amino acids of the carcass, similar amino acid content was recorded in all treatments. However, carcass docosahexaenoic acid in the PF group was significantly higher than in the other groups. These results suggest that Peruvian anchovy meal without enzyme digestion can be used as the protein source in the formulated diet for juvenile PBT.

     

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.     

Effects of dietary taurine levels on epidermal thickness and scale loss in red sea bream,Pagrus major

Taurine is often added to artificial fish diets to compensate for a reduction in fish meal (FM). However, the taurine content of FM‐based diets is typically lower than in diets consisting of raw fish, even in diets where FM is the only protein source. We evaluated the effects of dietary taurine in FM‐based diets on epidermal thickness and scale detachability in red sea bream Pagrus major. We compared the effect of diets containing 0% (control), 0.3% (Tau‐0.3%), 0.6% (Tau‐0.6%) and 1.0% (Tau‐1.0%) taurine. Red sea bream (average body weight, 39 g) were fed these diets for 7 weeks. Taurine supplementation had no effect on growth, feed intake, feeding efficiency, or survival. However, the epidermal thickness was higher in fish in the Tau‐0.6% and Tau‐1.0% groups than in the control and Tau‐0.3% groups. Similarly, scale loss was significantly higher in the control group than in the Tau‐0.6% and Tau‐1.0% groups. Our results suggest that supplementation with >0.6% taurine (1.0% in diet) improves skin condition.     

Essential amino acids supplementation to practical diets affects growth,feed utilization and glucose metabolism‐related signalling molecules of blunt snout bream (Megalobrama amblycephala)

Six diets were formulated to investigate the success of fish meal (FM) replacement by plant proteins; diet 1 reflected a commercial feed (8% FM), diet 3 contained 4% FM, and diet 5 was devoid of FM. Whereas, diet 2, diet 4, and diet 6 reflected diet 1, diet 3, diet 5, respectively, and supplemented with essential amino acid (EAA). At the end of 8‐week trial, there was no significant difference in survival rate. Significantly higher final weight, weight gain rate, and specific growth rate were recorded in the group fed diet 2 compared with the other treatments (except diet 4) (p < 0.05). Feed conversion ratio of fish fed diet 2 was significantly lower than those fed diets 1, 3, and 5 (p < 0.05). The lowest feed intake and highest protein efficiency rate were found in fish fed diet 2 (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in whole body compositions between treatments. Plasma aspartate transaminases, alanine aminotransferase, and glucose were significantly affected by dietary treatments (p < 0.05), while plasma protein and albumin contents were not influenced by the treatments. The relative expression of target of rapamycin (TOR) and phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase, regulatory subunit 1 (alpha) (PIK3R1) in fish fed diet 3 (4% FM) were significantly down‐regulated compared with those fed diet 6 for TOR and diets 4 and 6 for PIK3R1 (p < 0.05). Insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS‐1) and janus kinase 3 (JAK3) expressions were fluctuated, with the higher levels in fish fed diets 4 and 6. In conclusion, the findings of this study indicate that plant protein mixture supplemented with EAA could be used to substitute FM in practical diet for Megalobrama amblycephala.     

Marine co‐product meals as a substitute of fishmeal in diets for white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei improve growth,feed intake and muscle HUFA composition

Total replacement of fishmeal using marine co‐product meals in the diets for white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei and its effects on growth, feed utilization and muscle HUFA and sterol composition were assessed in a 45‐day feeding trial with juvenile shrimp (0.32 g mean initial weight). Eight dietary treatments were tested: a control diet containing fishmeal (FM), a commercial shrimp diet as external reference and six diets where the FM in the control diet was totally replaced by pen shell scallop viscera (Pinna rugosa), squid viscera (Dosidicus gigas) or whole chub mackerel (Scomber japonicus) meals, produced by two methods: (i) cooking followed by grinding and drying and (ii) grinding followed by drying. Survival in all treatments was above 92%, except in the commercial diet (77%). The growth response, feed utilization and chemical composition of shrimp varied among the treatments and were affected in different ways by the by‐products and the meals preparation process. Growth and feed intake were significantly higher in shrimp fed diets containing cooked‐dried squid and pen shell scallop viscera meals, and whole mackerel meal produced by grinding followed by drying. Muscle fatty acid profiles were improved for human consumption when these ingredients were used, compared with the diets containing FM.     

Using Bacillus subtilis E20‐fermented soybean meal as replacement for fish meal in the diet of orange‐spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides,Hamilton)

The potential of Bacillus subtilis E20‐fermented soybean meal (FSBM) as a partial alternative component of fish meal (FM) in fed diets of orange‐spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides) was evaluated in this study. An FM‐based diet and seven diets containing 10%, 20% and 30% and 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% of FM replaced by soybean meal (SBM) and FSBM, respectively, were fed to grouper for 84 days to evaluate possible substitution levels of FM by tracking growth performance, digestive enzyme activity and morphological changes in the liver and distal intestine. No significant differences in survival and muscle composition of grouper were found between controls and treatments. Growth performance and feed efficiency of fish fed diets with FM replaced by FSBM up to 30% were not significantly different from controls, whereas significantly decreased growth performance and feed efficiency occurred with diets containing >20% of SBM. Based on the feed efficiency, the maximum substituted levels of FM by SBM and FSBM in grouper diets were 18.36% and 29.32%, respectively, based on broken‐line analyses. Histopathological changes in the liver and distal intestine, and significantly lower activity levels of digestive enzymes, including pepsin in the stomach and trypsin, chymotrypsin, amylase and lipase in the distal intestine, were found in fish fed a diet containing 30% of FM replaced by SBM. However, these parameters were improved by the substitution of FSBM. It is therefore believed that FSBM has great potential to be used as a protein source in grouper diets in partial replacement of FM.     

Response of juvenile tench (Tinca tinca L.) fed practical diets with different protein contents and substitution levels of fish meal by soybean meal

A basal practical diet for juvenile tench (Tinca tinca) was formulated and elaborated to test several protein contents and substitution possibilities of fish meal (FM) by soybean meal (SBM) in a 90‐day trial with 5‐month‐old juveniles (30.54 mm TL, 0.30 g W). A factorial design included nine feeding treatments: three protein contents (50%, 40% or 30%) and three levels of replacement (0%, 25% or 45%) of FM protein by SBM protein. In addition, a commercial carp feed was used as reference. Final survival ranged from 98.2% to 99.4%. The 50% dietary protein with 0% or 25% replacement and 40% dietary protein with 25% replacement diets enabled higher growth (P < 0.05) and lower FCR (P < 0.05) than the rest of practical diets. Fish fed 50% dietary protein had similar growth than those fed carp feed (63.8% protein). Deformed fish averaged 1% for the practical diets and 87.6% for the carp feed. The basal practical diet has showed to be feasible and levels of 40–50% dietary protein with 25% replacement of FM protein by SBM protein can be recommended for juvenile tench aged 5–8 months.     

Potential of processed animal protein versus soybean meal to replace fish meal in practical diets for European catfish (Silurus glanis): growth response and liver gene expression

A 9‐week study was conducted to evaluate the potential of processed animal protein (PAP) in comparison with soybean meal (SM) to replace fish meal (FM) in practical diets for European catfish, Silurus glanis, on growth performance, liver transaminase activities and expression of growth‐related genes. Seven isonitrogenous (440 g kg^‐1 crude protein) and isoenergetic (16.70 MJ/kg) practical diets were formulated by replacing 0 (control), 30%, 60% and 100% FM with either SM or PAP. Each diet was randomly assigned to triplicate groups of 25 fish per cages fixed in the pond. Fish fed the diet substituted 100% FM from SM or PAP had lower (p < .05) growth performance, feed efficiency and protein retention compared to control and other groups. The decreased growth performance occurred concomitant with a decline in the expression level of liver GHR/IGF‐I axis genes. The gene expression and activity of liver protein metabolism enzymes also positively correlated with growth performance. Findings of this study indicated that both SM and PAP were equally effective in replacing FM up to 60% in the practical diet of Silurus glanis. Total replacement of FM either with SM or PAP induced negative influences on growth and feed utilization.     

Animal by‐products with or without enzymatic hydrolysis completely replacement of fish meal in genetically improved farmed tilapia diets (Oreochromis niloticus)

An 8‐week feeding trial was performed to examine the potential of total replacement of fish meal with animal by‐products with or without enzymatic components in juvenile genetically improved farmed tilapia (GIFT) diets, Oreochromis niloticus, (mean initial weight, 19.71 ± 0.28 g), reared in RAS system. Five isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets were formulated with fish meal for the diets with total replacement of the isonitrogenous amounts of enzymatic fish meal (E‐FM), chicken liver meal (CLM), enzymatic chicken liver meal (E‐CLM), dried porcine solubles (DPS) and enzymatic dried porcine solubles (E‐DPS) respectively. The results indicated that the weight gain rate (WGR) and specific growth rate (SGR) in the FM group were significantly higher than the E‐FM and E‐CLM groups (p < .05), but the specific growth rate (SGR) in the E‐CLM group lower than the E‐FM group. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) in FM and CLM was significantly lower than the E‐FM, E‐CLM and E‐DPS groups (p < .05), and no significant difference was observed among the FM, CLM and DPS groups (p > .05). The values of the protein retention efficiency (PRE) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) in FM, CLM and DPS groups were significantly higher than the E‐CLM group (p < .05). The values of feed intake ratio (FIR) in FM and CLM groups were significantly lower than the E‐FM, E‐CLM and E‐DPS groups (p < .05). There was no significant difference in the whole body contents of moisture, crude lipid and crude ash among the FM and E‐CLM groups (p > .05). The whole body contents of crude protein in the FM group were significantly higher than the E‐FM, CLM, E‐CLM DPS and E‐DPS groups (p < .05). The apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC) of dry matter, crude protein and crude lipid in the FM, E‐FM, E‐CLM and E‐DPS groups were not significantly different (p > .05). The serum glucose(GLU), total cholesterol (TCHO) and triglycerides (TG), or the activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were not affected by the different treatments (p > .05). There was no significant difference in serum total protein (TP) or albumin (ALB) and between the FM group and other groups (p > .05). There was no significant difference in the serum urea nitrogen (BUN) content in the FM, CLM, E‐CLM and DPS groups (p > .05). Fish fed with the CLM and DPS diets had significantly lower hepatic GHR1, IGF1 and IGF2 gene mRNA expression levels than in fish fed the FM diet (p < .05). The present data showed that 6% of dietary fish meal can be totally replaced by the chicken liver meal and dried porcine solubles with no effect on the growth performance of GIFT strain tilapia.     

Partial and total replacement of fishmeal by a blend of animal and plant proteins in diets for Seriola dumerili: Effects on performance and nutrient efficiency

A 154‐day trial was performed to assess the use of an alternative protein blend (corn gluten, krill and meat meal) as a substitute for fishmeal in diets for juvenile yellowtail, using four isolipidic (140 g/kg) and isoenergetic diets (24 MJ/kg) with the same digestible protein content (50%). The control diet was FM100, without replacement, and in FM66, FM33 and FM0, fishmeal was replaced at 33 g/kg, 66 g/kg and 100 g/kg, respectively. At the end of the experiment, no differences in growth parameters were observed. Fish fed the FM0 diet exhibited the lowest survival (23%). This high mortality may be due to different factors, such as a dietary amino acid imbalance or some antinutrient factors contained in the alternative ingredients. Feed intake, feed conversion ratio, digestible protein intake and protein efficiency ratio were similar in all diets. However, digestible energy intake and protein efficiency retention were lowest in fish fed the FM0 diet. Apparent digestibility coefficients for protein, energy and amino acids diminished as a substitution for fishmeal increased. Significant differences were observed in the diet whole‐fish body profile amino acid retention (AAR) ratio for the seven essential amino acids. In summary, total fishmeal replacement by the blend assayed was not feasible for yellowtail. The FM66 diet resulted in good growth, high survival and good nutrient efficiency.     

Digestibility of selected feedstuffs in subadult Caspian great sturgeon,Huso huso using settlement faecal collection and stripping methods

Apparent crude protein (ADC_CP), crude fat (ADC_CF) and gross energy (ADC_GE) digestibility coefficients of several typical and novel feedstuffs were determined to be employed in the formulated diets of subadult beluga (17.70 ± 0.234 kg) diets via two faecal collection methods of settlement (SFCM) and stripping (StM). The tested feedstuffs included three fish meals, three terrestrial animal by‐products, three plant protein concentrates, nine high‐protein plant meals and three low plant protein meals. ADC_CP values varied in different fish meals ranging from 89.5% for Mexican sardine meal to 93.2% for anchovy meal with SFCM. ADC_CP values for plant protein concentrates ranged from 82.8% for wheat gluten meal to 92% for soy protein with SFCM. ADC_CP ranged from 37.2% for whole wheat to 75.6% for spirulina meal with SFCM. ADC_GE was lower in low‐protein plant meals (64.1%) in comparison to high‐protein plant meals (70.2%). Fish meals showed the highest ADC_CF values. A significant (P < 0.05) quadratic regression relation (r² = 0.92) was observed among in vivo ADC_CP of five feedstuff classes fed to beluga and in vitro ADC_CP. The differences among ADC values appear to be significantly related to the effects of feedstuffs and therefore diet and faecal collection methods.     

Interactive effects of salinity and complete fishmeal replacement on growth,food consumption,and gene expression of hepatic IGF‐I,IGF‐II and growth hormone receptors in Nile tilapia,Oreochromis niloticus (L.)

A 12‐week feeding trial was conducted using Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (L.) to evaluate the interactive effects of fishmeal replacement and salinity on growth, feed utilization efficiencies and relative expression of growth related genes. Two iso‐nitrogenous and iso‐energetic diets were prepared (32% protein). The control diet included 15% fishmeal (FM diet) and fishmeal component in non‐fishmeal diet (NFM) was eliminated by a mixture of poultry by‐product meal, high protein distillers dried grains and distillers dried grains with soluble. The NFM diet was supplemented with DL‐methionine and L‐lysine. Duplicated group of fish with initial mean weight of 6 g, reared in four salinity levels (0, 4, 8 and 12 g/L) were fed one of the two diets twice a day to near satiety. At the end of the experiment, growth, feed utilization efficiency and expression of growth related genes were compared. The specific growth rate (SGR), mean feed intake (MFI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were not affected by the diets while salinity effects were significant. The fish in the 4 g/L salinity showed the highest SGR and MFI while fish in the 0 g/L treatment showed the lowest FCR. Relative expression of hepatic IGF‐I and IGF‐II was regulated by salinity but not by the diet. Expression of growth hormone receptor gene was not affected by either diet or salinity. The present findings provide evidence for the possibility of total fishmeal replacement in saline waters (0–12 g/L) without compromising growth, feed utilization and body composition of Nile tilapia.     

Prebiotics effect on growth performance,hepatic intermediary metabolism,gut microbiota and digestive enzymes of white sea bream (Diplodus sargus)

This study aimed at evaluating the effects of short‐chain fructooligosaccharides (scFOS), xylooligosaccharides (XOS) and galactooligosaccharides (GOS) on growth performance, hepatic metabolism, gut microbiota and digestive enzymes activities of white sea bream juveniles. Four diets were formulated: a control diet with fish meal (FM) and plant feedstuffs (PF) (30FM:70PF) and three test diets similar to control but supplemented with 10 g of scFOS, XOS or GOS per kilo diet, which were fed to fish during 12 weeks. Prebiotics had no effect on growth, feed efficiency or gut microbiota. Plasmatic triglycerides were lower in fish fed XOS than FOS and GOS diets. Malic enzyme activity was lower in fish fed XOS than FOS diet. Fish fed XOS diet had lower fatty acid synthetase (FAS), a key lipogenic enzyme and higher alanine aminotransferase activities. Fifteen days after the start of the trial, an enhancement of total alkaline protease, trypsin and lipase activities was observed in fish fed prebiotics, but such effect disappeared at 12 weeks. In conclusion, scFOS, XOS or GOS seem to have limited applicability in white sea bream feed.     

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.     

Evaluation of Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) meal supplementation in diets for olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus)

The supplemental effect of Antarctic krill meal (KM) into a low fish meal (FM) diet was evaluated for olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus). A 56% FM‐based diet was regarded as a high FM inclusion diet (HFM), and a low‐FM diet (LFM) was prepared by replacing 50% FM from the HFM. Four other diets were prepared by supplementing 3%, 6%, 9% and 12% KM into the LFM diet gradually replacing soy protein concentrate and tankage meal (designated as KM3, KM6, KM9 and KM12 respectively). Quadruplicate groups of fish were fed one of the diets for 12 weeks. The growth performance and feed utilization efficiency were improved by the dietary KM supplementation. Digestibility of dietary protein and dry matter was increased by the KM3‐9 diets. Haematocrit and haemoglobin were increased by KM supplementation. The innate immunity and antioxidant capacity assessed by Ig, antiprotease, lysozyme, GPx and SOD and the condition factor of fish were significantly increased by KM3‐9 diets. Moreover, goblet cell counts, villi length and fillet yield of fish were significantly improved by all the KM‐containing diets (KM3‐12). A 25‐day‐long challenge test with the Edwardsiella tarda pathogen showed that the cumulative mortality was higher in fish fed the LFM diet than in fish fed the HFM or KM‐supplemented diets. The results indicate that dietary KM supplementation in a LFM diet can increase growth performance and feed utilization efficiency, diet digestibility, intestinal development and functions, innate immunity and disease resistance of olive flounder. The recommended level of KM inclusion in a LFM diet seems to be 6.6% according to quadratic regression analysis.     

Growth,enzymatic glutathione peroxidase activity and biochemical status of juvenile barramundi (Lates calcarifer) fed dietary fermented lupin meal supplemented with organic selenium

To investigate the effects of high level of lupin meal (LM) supplemented with organic selenium (OS) on the growth and blood biochemistry of barramundi (Lates calcarifer), four isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets were prepared, containing either non‐fermented or fermented LM, and either supplemented with 2 mg OS/kg (LM, LM_OS, FLM and FLM_OS), or not. A fishmeal (FM)‐based diet formulated for juvenile barramundi was used as a control diet. Fish (initial mean weight of 5.88 g) were triplicated and fed the test diets for 75 days. The findings demonstrated that growth performance of fish fed with the FLM and FLM_OS diets were similar to fish fed with the FM diet (p > .05). The antioxidant glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, and haemoglobin (Hb) of fish fed with the FLM_OS diet were significantly higher than that of FM‐fed fish (p < .05). Plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity was significantly increased in fish fed with non‐fermented diets (LM and LM_OS) than in those fed with fermented LM diets (FLM and FLM_OS) (p < .05). However, there were no significant differences in ALT activity among LM_OS, FLM, FLM_OS and FM diets. There was an interaction between the LM and OS on plasma CK activity; the CK of fish fed with diets supplemented with OS was higher in non‐fermented LM diets but lower in fermented LM diets (p < .05). This study suggests that fermented LM have an obvious potential to substantially replace 75% FM protein in the diets of barramundi.     

Effects of dietary yeast inclusion and acute stress on postprandial plasma free amino acid profiles of dorsal aorta‐cannulated rainbow trout

In a 4‐week experiment, 15 cannulated rainbow trout were fed three diets based on fish meal (FM), Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast (SC) and Wickerhamomyces anomalus and S. cerevisiae yeast mix (WA). Fish were fed daily, and blood samples were collected on day 7 of each week at 0, 3, 6, 12 and 24 hr after feeding. In the final week, fish were exposed to a 1‐min netting stressor. All essential and non‐essential plasma amino acid levels except methionine were similar between fish fed diets FM, SC and WA. Plasma methionine and sarcosine were significantly higher in fish fed diets SC and WA, possibly due to the crystalline methionine level, form or feeding regime. Hydroxy‐proline and 3‐methyl‐histidine were higher in fish fed diet FM, which can be explained by the higher levels present in fish meal compared with yeast. In stressed fish, there were no dietary effects on plasma amino acid levels, but significant increases in taurine and cystathionine were found in stressed compared with unstressed fish. These results demonstrate that yeast‐based diets produce similar plasma amino acid profiles to fish meal and suggest that yeast may be a suitable fish meal replacement in diets for rainbow trout.     

Partial replacement of fish oil with terrestrial lipid blend and effects on growth performance,body composition,immune parameter and growth‐related genes in yellow drum (Nibea albiflora)

The imbalance of fish oil (FO) supply and demand has motivated efforts to identify an alternative for aqua feed. An 8‐week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary fish oil partial replacement with mixed oil from linseed and lard (1:1) on growth, body composition and immunity when the N3 long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (N3 LC‐PUFAs) requirement is met for Nibea albiflora. Two types of experimental diets were formulated with 100% fish oil (FO) or 69% mixed oil (Mix). The results indicated that the Mix diet significantly improved the specific growth rate (SGR), weight gain (WG), feed efficiency ratio (FER), muscle tissue growth hormone receptor (GHR), insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF1) and insulin‐like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) gene expression of the yellow drum (p < .05). No significant difference in the survival rate (SR), feed intake (FI), hepatosomatic index (HSI), viscerosomatic index (VSI), condition factor (CF), N3 PUFA percentage, liver antioxidant enzyme activities or pro‐inflammatory gene expression was observed between the two treatments. Therefore, terrestrial blend lipid from linseed and lard could be used as an alternative for dietary fish oil without compromising growth performance and immunity for the juvenile yellow drum.     

Use of salmon by‐product meals as a replacement for anchovy meal in practical diets for the Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

A series of trials were conducted with Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei, to evaluate the efficiency of two salmon meals as compared to anchovy meal. The basal diet contained 200 g/kg anchovy meal, which was systematically replaced (0%, 50%, 75% and 100%) with salmon meal on an isonitrogenous basis. Another two diets were formulated with a hydrolysed salmon meal to replace 50% and 100% anchovy meal. Each diet was randomly fed to four replicate groups of 25 and 30 shrimp per tank in clear (indoor) and green (outdoor) water trials, respectively. The results showed that growth performance and feed conversion ratio were not statistically different when salmon meal replaced anchovy meal in both trials. However, when hydrolysed salmon meal was used to replace 100% of the anchovy meal, growth performance of the shrimp significantly decreased. The four kinds of fish meal (anchovy, salmon by‐product meals and menhaden) were evaluated in an ingredient digestibility trial using the 70:30 replacement technique. In general, dry matter, energy, protein and individual amino acids digestibility of salmon meal were significantly higher than those of menhaden and anchovy meal. Results of this study demonstrated that salmon meals are a good protein sources which can replace anchovy meal.