Diets containing corn naturally contaminated with deoxynivalenol reduces the susceptibility of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) to experimental Flavobacterium psychrophilum infection

The objective of this study was to determine if deoxynivalenol (DON) exposure alters the susceptibility of rainbow trout to bacterial coldwater disease caused by Flavobacterium psychrophilum. Rainbow trout were fed a nutritionally complete diet containing corn that was naturally contaminated with DON at a desired concentration of <0.5 (control and pair‐fed treatments), 4 or 6 ppm over 7 weeks to apparent satiation. After 4 weeks, fish were infected by intraperitoneal injection with F. psychrophilum (3.03x10⁶ CFU mL^?1) via intraperitoneal injection and monitored for morbidity and mortality. A significant linear reduction in feed intake was associated with increasing dietary levels of DON contamination over the initial 4 weeks. There was a significant reduction (P < 0.05) in cumulative per cent mortality in DON‐fed groups (4.1 ppm, 11%; 5.9 ppm, 7%) in comparison to control (46%) and pair‐fed (25%) groups at 21 days post infection. Mortality of trout pair‐fed the control diet was also significantly lower (P < 0.05) than the control group fed to apparent satiation. A replicate trial using genetically similar fish and the same experimental design produced similar results. These results suggest that DON exposure and restricted feed intake provided a protective effect for rainbow trout infected with F. psychrophilum.     

Digestibility in selected rainbow trout families and relation to growth and feed utilisation

Experiments have been carried out aimed at clarifying variations in the digestibility of dietary nutrients in rainbow trout families and studying how differences in digestibility may be related to growth and feed utilisation at various growth rates. The digestibility of protein, lipid, carbohydrates (nitrogen-free extracts, NFE) and dry matter was analysed in two experiments involving eight rainbow trout families [Ab, Ba, Cd, Dc (first study); V, X, Y, Z (second study)]. In the first experiment rainbow trout were reared for 128 days at 13.0°C, and in the second experiment, they were reared for 84 days at 16.8°C. In both experiments, the fish were fed ad libitum and reared from an initial weight of 70–100 g to a final weight of 500–700 g. When the fish reached a weight of approximately 200 g, some individuals were moved to another experimental system in which the digestibility of protein, lipid, nitrogen-free extracts and dry matter was measured. Taken as a whole, our results indicate that selective breeding still offers a large potential for improved growth and feed utilisation in rainbow trout strains. In the first study, family Dc showed a higher specific growth rate (SGR) than the other three families (P < 0.05), and family Ba showed a lower feed conversion ratio (FCR) than family Ab (P < 0.05); there were no observed differences in digestibility despite some differences in growth. In the second study, family Y grew faster than all of the other families (P < 0.05), and family Z grew faster than families V and X (P < 0.01). A comparable pattern was seen for FCR, with family Y utilising feed better than family V (P < 0.05), and families V, Y and Z performing better than family X (P < 0.001). Protein digestibility was higher in the two fastest growing families (Y and Z) than in the slower growing family X (P < 0.05), while lipid digestion was higher in family Y than in family V (P < 0.05). A comparison of the results from both experiments revealed that protein digestibility in particular was closely related to the SGR and the FCR at high growth rates. However, despite the advantageous protein digestibility on fish growth, analysis of the protein retention efficiency (PRE) showed that when protein was ingested in relatively large amounts, as in the fastest growing families, the “excess” nitrogen was excreted and therefore did not contribute to protein deposition in the fish body. Hence, the potential weight gain offered by improved protein digestibility does not materialise when the protein intake is above a certain level. Other factors must therefore explain the positive relation between fast growth and high protein digestibility.     

The effects of swimming exercise and dissolved oxygen on growth performance,fin condition and survival of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss

Swimming exercise and dissolved oxygen (DO) are important parameters to consider when operating intensive salmonid aquaculture facilities. While previous research has focused on each of these two variables in rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss, studies examining both variables in combination, and their potential interaction, are absent from the scientific literature. Both swimming exercise (usually measured in body lengths per second, or BL/s) and DO can be readily controlled in modern aquaculture systems; therefore, we sought to evaluate the effects of these variables, separately and combined, on several outcomes in rainbow trout including growth performance, fin health and survival. Rainbow trout fry (18 g) were stocked into 12 circular 0.5 m³ tanks, provided with either high (1.5–2 BL/s) or low (approximately 0.5 BL/s) swimming exercise and high (100% saturation) or low (70% saturation) DO, and grown to approximately 1 kg. By the conclusion of the study, higher DO was independently associated with significantly (p < .05) increased growth performance. Significant differences were not noted in other outcomes, namely feed conversion, condition factor and mortality, although caudal and right pectoral fin damage was associated with low oxygen and low swimming exercise treatments respectively. Cardiosomatic index was significantly higher among exercised fish. These results suggest that swimming exercise and DO at saturation during the culture of rainbow trout can be beneficial to producers through improved growth performance and cardiac health.     

Growth and feed utilization of gilthead sea bream (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Sparus aurata</Emphasis>, L.) fed to satiation and restrictively at increasing dietary energy levels

Three isoproteic (47% protein) diets were formulated to contain graded levels of crude fat (diet D16:16%, diet D24: 24% and diet D32: 32%). Each diet was fed to satiation in three and to 80% satiation in two replicate groups of gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata), having an initial body weight of 72–74 g. The trial lasted 81 days. Groups fed to satiation showed higher final body weight (FBW; 238.8–252.3 g vs. 218.0–229.3 g) and daily growth index (DGI; 2.49–2.65%/day vs. 2.27–2.34%/day) than those fed to 80% satiation. Feed intake was significantly different both for feeding level and for diet composition. Fish fed to satiation had higher feed conversion rate (FCR) compared to the 80% satiation groups (1.33–1.44 vs. 1.13–1.17; P ≤ 0.001). Within satiation groups, FCR was significantly lower in fish fed D16 compared to fish fed D32 (1.33 vs. 1.44, P ≤ 0.05), whereas no statistical differences were found within the 80% satiation groups. The increase in dietary lipid level did not improve growth performance, feed efficiency and protein utilization but decreased gross lipid efficiency. Conversely, a reduction in ration from satiation to 80% satiation decreased DGI, thus improving FCR. Feed costs were influenced by dietary energy level and feeding ratio, the lowest energy diet at 80% satiation being the most profitable combination among the variables.     

High‐oil residue camelina meal,a viable source of protein at low levels in diets for juvenile salmonids

The oilseed Camelina sativa has been studied as a lipid source for farmed salmonids, but recommended inclusion as a protein source has not been determined. This study evaluated low inclusion of camelina high‐oil residue meal (HORM) at 20, 40 and 60 g/kg of the diet, to determine an adequate level for Atlantic salmon parr (Salmo salar) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Salmon and trout were fed experimental diets containing up to 60 g/kg HORM for 16 weeks. At 40 g/kg HORM, trout and salmon growth performance were similar to those fed a control diet. However, at 60 g/kg HORM, trout showed lower final weight, weight gain and feed intake than those fed the control diet. Rainbow trout fed 40 and 60 g/kg HORM showed significantly lower whole body ash (p = .005), slightly lower whole body protein levels and higher fat than the control. In salmon fed 60 g/kg HORM diets, whole body ash (p = .024), and the submucosal layer of the intestine was thicker than the control (p = .007). Current results indicate that up to 40 g/kg HORM can be included in diets for rainbow trout and salmon juveniles.     

Purified deoxynivalenol or feed restriction reduces mortality in rainbow trout,Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), with experimental bacterial coldwater disease but biologically relevant concentrations of deoxynivalenol do not impair the growth of Flavobacterium psychrophilum

Diets containing deoxynivalenol (DON) were fed to rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum) for 4 weeks followed by experimental infection (intraperitoneal) with Flavobacterium psychrophilum (4.1 × 10⁶ colony‐forming units [CFU] mL⁻¹). Mortality of rainbow trout fed either 6.4 mg kg⁻¹ DON or trout pair‐fed the control diet was significantly reduced (P < 0.05) in comparison with trout fed the control diet to apparent satiation (<0.1 mg kg⁻¹ DON). In a second experiment, trout were fed one of three experimental diets; a control diet, a diet produced with corn naturally contaminated with DON (3.3 mg kg⁻¹ DON) or a diet containing purified DON (3.8 mg kg⁻¹); however, these fish were not experimentally infected. The presence of DON resulted in significant reduction (P < 0.0001) in feed intake as well as weight gain after 4 weeks. Respiratory burst of head‐kidney leucocytes isolated from rainbow trout fed diets containing purified DON (3.8 mg kg⁻¹) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) at 35 day post‐exposure compared with controls. The antimicrobial activity of DON was examined by subjecting F. psychrophilum in vitro to serial dilutions of the chemical. Complete inhibition occurred at a concentration of 75 mg L⁻¹ DON, but no effect was observed below this concentration (0–30 mg L⁻¹).     

Effects of dietary <Emphasis Type="SmallCaps">l</Emphasis>-carnitine and chromium picolinate supplementations on performance and some serum parameters in rainbow trout (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Oncorhynchus mykiss</Emphasis>)

An experiment was conducted to determine the effects of supplemental dietary l-carnitine, chromium picolinate (Cr-Pic) and their combination on growth performance and serum total protein, cholesterol, triglyceride and glucose of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). A total of 276 rainbow trout were randomly allocated to four groups. Fish (average initial body weight = 151 ± 1.69 g) were fed a basal diet without supplemental l-carnitine and chromium picolinate in the control group. The basal diet was supplemented with either 500 mg/kg l-carnitine, 1.6 mg/kg chromium picolinate or 500 mg/kg l-carnitine plus 1.6 mg/kg chromium picolinate for experimental groups 1 (C), 2 (Cr-Pic) and 3 (C + Cr-Pic), respectively. Fish were fed twice a day to apparent satiation for 58 days. Weight gain, growth rate, feed consumption and feed conversion ratio (feed/gain) were calculated for the whole period. At the end of the study, six fish were chosen randomly from each tank to represent the experiment and frozen at −20°C for subsequent dorsal muscle analysis. The results showed no significant differences in final body weight, weight gain or feed conversion ratio among groups. There were also no significant differences in serum total protein, cholesterol, triglyceride or glucose concentrations among groups. Significantly higher lipid concentration of dorsal muscle was observed in experimental groups 1 and 3. In conclusion, supplemental dietary l-carnitine, chromium picolinate and their combination have no beneficial effects on improving growth performance and feed conversion ratio in rainbow trout. However, dietary l-carnitine slightly increased lipid concentration in dorsal muscle of rainbow trout.     

Effect of stocking density on survival and growth performance of pikeperch, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sander lucioperca</Emphasis> (L.), larvae under controlled conditions

The effect of stocking density on the survival and growth of pikeperch, Sander lucioperca (L.), larvae was examined in two consecutive experiments. In experiment I, 4-day-old larvae [body wet weight (BW): 0.5 mg; total body length (TL): 5.6 mm] were reared in 200-l cylindro-conical tanks in a closed, recirculating system (20 ± 0.5°C) at three stocking densities (25, 50 and 100 larvae l⁻¹) and fed a mixed feed (Artemia nauplii and Lansy A2 artificial feed) for 14 consecutive days. At densities of 25 and 100 larvae l⁻¹, growth rate and survival ranged from 2.7 to 1.9 mg day⁻¹ and from 79.2 to 72.3%, and fish biomass gain ranged from 0.6 to 2.0 g l⁻¹, respectively. There were two periods of increased larval mortality: the first was at beginning of exogenous feeding and the second during swim bladder inflation. In experiment II, 18-day-old larvae (BW: 35 mg; TL: 15.6 mm) obtained from experiment I were reared under culture conditions similar to those of experiment I, but at lower stocking densities (6, 10 and 15 larvae l⁻¹). The fish were fed exclusively with artificial feed (trout starter) for 21 consecutive days. At densities of 6 and 15 larvae l⁻¹, the growth rate and fish biomass gain ranged from 28.8 to 23.1 mg day⁻¹ and from 2.0 to 3.3 g l⁻¹, respectively. The highest survival (56.5%) was achieved at a density of 6 larvae l⁻¹. Mortality at all densities was mainly caused by cannibalism II type behaviour (27–35% of total). In both experiments, growth and survival were negatively correlated and fish biomass gain positively correlated with stocking densities. The present study suggests that the initial stocking density of pikeperch larvae reared in a recirculating system can be 100 individuals l⁻¹ for the 4- to 18-day period post-hatch and 15 individuals l⁻¹ for the post-19-day period.     

Feeding high inclusion of whole grain white lupin (Lupinus albus) to rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss): effects on growth,nutrient digestibility,liver and intestine histology and muscle fatty acid composition

The effect of dietary inclusion of whole grain white lupin (Lupinus albus) on growth performance, histology, muscle fatty acid composition and nutrient digestibility was investigated in an 11‐week growth and a 4‐week digestibility trial with rainbow trout (initial body weight of 54.0 ± 6.2 and 181.9 ± 3.4 g respectively). Four experimental extruded diets were formulated to contain 0%, 30%, 40% and 50% of whole grain lupin and fed to triplicate groups of fish twice a day until apparent satiation. Faeces were collected daily from each digestibility tank by decantation. No significant trends were observed with respect to growth, feed utilization, apparent digestibility coefficients or whole‐body composition (P>0.05). Conversely, increasing levels of dietary lupin led to significant decreases in the Hepatosomatic index (R²=0.75, P<0.05) and slight lipid infiltration into hepatocytes and enterocytes. Muscle fatty acid compositions were slightly affected by the dietary treatment. Polynomial regression of dietary inclusion of lupin and muscle fatty acid concentrations showed an increase in C18:1n‐9, C18:2n‐6 and C18:3n‐3 and a decrease in C20:5n‐3 with increasing dietary lupin level. These results demonstrated that whole grain lupin can be included up to 50% in commercial rainbow trout diets without negative effects.     

Intraspecific growth variation among rainbow trout and brook trout: impact of initial body weight and feeding level

This study describes growth variation within groups of salmonids and the relation to initial fish weights and feeding levels. PIT-tagged rainbow trout (RT) and brook trout (BT) of start weight 120–170 g were reared in separate tanks for 9 weeks. Both species were fed each day either a high ration close to satiation (H) or half of this ration (L). Four experimental groups (RT-H, RT-L, BT-H, BT-L) were studied with regard to their propensity to increase weight in accord with their initial weight. The slope of the regression line between initial weights (g) and weight increases for individuals in each tank in each period was applied as indicator for this propensity (termed “slope”). All calculated slopes in the experiment were positive which indicates the general ability of weighty fish to gain more weight than smaller individuals. The average slope during all 9 weeks was 2–4 times higher for RT-L (5.91) than for all other groups (RT-H: 1.50, P < 0.01; BT-H: 1.76, P < 0.01 and BT-L: 2.88, P < 0.05), indicating the particular propensity of large RT to gain weight when feed was restricted. Overall, ration level had large impact on slopes (H: 1.63, L: 4.39, P < 0.01), while this was not the case for species (RT: 3.71, BT: 2.32, P > 0.05). The magnitude of slopes decreased over time (weeks 0–3:4.27, weeks 3–6:3.02 and weeks 6–9:1.74, P < 0.05). The observed differences in weight gains between experimental groups were reflected in differences in coefficients of variations (CVs) for body growth. RT had larger body weight (BW) CVs compared to BT (0.257 vs. 0.206, P < 0.01) indicating more uneven feed share among RT than among BT in general. RT-L had significantly higher BW CVs than all other groups (0.300 vs. 0.184–0.229, P < 0.01). The observed differences in weight gains enhance size variations in terms of higher CVs, and this may have implications for feeding tactics in aquaculture where large size variations in groups may be disadvantageous to fish farmers.     

Moderate stocking density does not influence the behavioural and physiological responses of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in organic aquaculture

Welfare in farmed fish got particular attention during the last decades from both governmental and public sides. In aquaculture context, welfare concerns are mainly related to handling procedures, water quality and stoking densities. In Europe, authorities had to clarify the threshold limits of stocking densities to maintain fish good welfare, including for organics aquaculture through the EC regulation 710/2009. However, effects of stocking density on fish welfare are complex and sometimes contradictory. Moreover, there is a lack of knowledge about the impact of density on fish welfare in organic aquaculture. Thus, the aim of the study is to asses welfare state of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) at two initial stocking densities (low density, LD: 12 kg/m³ and high density, HD: 17 kg/m³) fed using organic feed by combining the monitoring of growth performances, behaviour (swimming activity) and physiological indicators (i.e. cortisol, glucose, lactate, hematocrit, red blood cellule count and lysozyme). At the end of experiment, the stocking density reached 21 kg/m³ and 30 kg/m³ for the LD and HD respectively. Overall, growth performances, swimming activity and level of physiological indicators of stress and welfare were similar between HD and LD over the experiment duration. To conclude, we observed no alteration of fish welfare between the two stocking densities monitored. This study suggests that a final stocking density of 30 kg/m³ can be considered for organic aquaculture of rainbow trout respecting welfare.     

Effects of Haematococcus pluvialis supplementation on antioxidant system and metabolism in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Effects of commercial source for astaxanthin (Haematococcus pluvialis) (H.p) on antioxidant power, specific marker enzymes, and some metabolites were examined in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Fish were fed on diets containing 1, 3, and 10 g microalga kg⁻¹ feed for 30 days. Serum total antioxidant activity and lipid peroxidation product, indicated by malondialdehyde (MDA), significantly enhanced with different doses of administration, indicating the elevated antioxidant status in all treatment groups. In group fed with high dose of alga, significantly elevated aspartate aminotransferase activity (AST) was noted, indicating damage of normal liver function in this group. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were not affected in all groups. Although serum total protein remained unaffected, serum glucose level was decreased significantly in lower doses of administration. Furthermore, triglyceride and cholesterol levels showed significant decrease in 3 g kg⁻¹ microalga group by modulation of lipid metabolism in this group. On the other hand, in highest dose, significant increase in lipids was observed, indicating the slight dysfunction in lipid metabolism in this treatment group. The present study suggests that Haematococcus pluvialis especially in dose of 3 g kg⁻¹ feed administration may effectively enhance the antioxidant system and some biochemical parameters in rainbow trout.     

Growth Performance and Body Composition of Aspikutum: A New Hybrid of Asp,Leuciscus aspius ♀, × Caspian Kutum,Rutilus frisii ♂, Cultured under Different Stocking Densities in Circular Concrete Tanks

The first step for rearing the newly produced hybrid of Asp, Leuciscus aspius ♀, × Caspian Kutum, Rutilus frisii ♂ (so‐called “Aspikutum”) is to understand essential production requirements such as stocking density. For this purpose, fish (60.4 g) were held at five stocking densities of 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 kg/m³ in circular concrete tanks (603 L) for a period of 56 d. The culture system was maintained at natural temperature and photoperiod. Fish were fed thrice a day using a commercial diet. At the end of the trial, growth indices, including final mean weight, weight gain, and specific growth rate, were significantly higher at the density of 10 kg/m³ compared with 2 kg/m³ (P< 0.05). Feed intake was significantly greater at 10 kg/m³ compared with 2 kg/m³ (P< 0.05); however, feed efficiency, protein efficiency ratio, protein productive value, and hepatosomatic index remained unchanged among the stocking densities (P> 0.05). Increased stocking density caused significant increase in body protein and fat contents (P< 0.05). Condition factor in higher densities (8 and 10 kg/m³) was significantly higher compared with 2 kg/m³ (P< 0.05). The results indicated that rearing this hybrid in the studied weight range at high density of 10 kg/m³ or more is possible without negative impacts on growth performance and body composition.     

The effects of dietary organic or inorganic selenium in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) under crowding conditions

In the present study, the effects of different sources of selenium (Se; sodium selenite or selenomethionine) supplementation on the growth and serum concentrations of oxidative stress markers [malondialdehyde (MDA), 8‐isoprostane, glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) activity] and muscle Se, MDA and heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) levels in rainbow trouts were evaluated. The fish (n = 360; 0 + years old) with initial average weight of 20 ± 0.8 g were randomly assigned to 12 treatment groups consisting of 3 replicates of 10 fish each in a 2 × 2 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments (stocking densities, Se sources, Se levels). The fish were kept at low (25 kg m^?3) or high (100 kg m^?3) stocking densities and fed a basal (control) diet or the basal diet supplemented with either 0.15 or 0.30 mg of Se kg^?1 of diet from two different forms: sodium selenite or selenomethionine. High stocking density decreased weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio (FCR) when basal diet was fed (P = 0.001). A linear increase in feed intake and weight gain and improvement in FCR were found in sodium selenite (P = 0.01)‐ or selenomethionine (P = 0.001)‐supplemented fish reared under crowding conditions. Serum and muscle Se levels and serum GSH‐Px activity increased (P = 0.001) linearly, whereas serum and muscle MDA concentrations and serum 8‐isoprostane decreased linearly as dietary sodium selenite (P = 0.01) or selenomethionine (P = 0.001) supplementation increased. Selenomethionine and sodium selenite supplementation decreased Hsp70 in the muscle of fish reared under crowding conditions (P < 0.05). Supplementation with Se improved growth and antioxidant status of fish and the effects of selenomethionine were relatively greater than sodium selenite in the crowded groups. Results suggest that crowding conditions cause significant detrimental effects in rainbow trout indicated by increased oxidative stress, reduced feed intake and body weight gain. ?t also indicates that dietary Se supplementation offers a feasible way of reducing the losses in performance of rainbow trout reared under crowding conditions. Selenomethionine seems to be more effective than sodium selenite and the higer dose in the present study also seems to be more effective than the lower dose.     

Effect of Stocking Density on Growth,Yield, and Costs of Producing Rainbow Trout,Oncorhynchus mykiss,in Cages

Abstract

Rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, were raised in culture cages (1 m³) to determine the effect of stocking density on growth, survival, and percentage of market-size fish. Large fingerling rainbow trout (20-25 cm, 232 g average weight) were stocked into six cages located in a 0.4-ha pond. Two stocking densities (100 or 200 fish/cage) were used, and fish were grown for 140 days (2000-April 2001). Average total harvest weight (35.0 kg) in the low-density cages was approximately one-half the average total harvest weight (61.2 kg) in the high-density cages. Average weight gain (11.7 kg to 15.1 kg) and feed conversion (1.2 to 1.5) were also smaller for the low-density cages. Average survival was 96.7% for the low-density cages and 94.2% for the high-density cages, with the percentage of market-size fish (< 29 cm) averaging 50.3% and 52.0%, respectively. Production costs for the actual experiment and the revenues from fish sold at the end of the study were collected. An enterprise budget based on the experimental results for the two densities was developed to determine if a culture operation of this size would produce a net return. Production costs and revenues from the experiment resulted in a large negative return (-$3,124) and high breakeven price ($13.53/kg).     

The Effects of Biomass Density on Size Variability and Growth Performance of Juvenile Largemouth Bass,Micropterus salmoides,in a Semi‐closed Recirculating System

This study evaluated the effects of biomass density on size variability and growth performance of feed‐trained largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides, fingerlings in a semi‐closed recirculating system for 60 d. Average individual body weight and length of fingerlings were 9.04 g and 9.07 cm, respectively. Experimental biomass densities were set at 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 kg/m³. Water temperature was adjusted to approximately 25 C and dissolved oxygen concentration was maintained above saturation. Fish were fed a formulated diet (42% protein) distributed by automatic feeders for 12 h daily. During the experiment, fingerlings actively fed and presented high survival rates (96.8–95.0%) at all densities. Growth performance of fingerlings was not affected by the biomass densities tested in this study (P < 0.05). The ranges of size distributions were similar among treatments, but more fingerlings were near the average size at lower biomass densities. Based on the results of this study, largemouth bass fingerlings were tolerant of high biomass density and a gross yield of 100–125 kg/m³ may be viable for largemouth bass reared in a semi‐closed recirculating system up to 30 g in weight.     

Effect of feeding level on growth and nutrient deposition in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum) growing from 150 to 600 g

The effects of feeding level on growth and energy partitioning were studied in rainbow trout growing from 150 to 600 g. Triplicate groups of fish (initial weight 158 g fish^?1) were fed a practical diet at various feeding levels (25%, 50%, 75% and 100% of near satiation) for 24 weeks at 8.5°C. The final body weights of fish were 235, 381, 526 and 621 g. Restricted feeding levels significantly reduced live weight gain. Feeding levels had less pronounced effects on feed efficiency ratio, which were 0.98, 1.08, 1.02 and 0.83, respectively, for the 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% feeding levels. The growth of fish fed to near satiation was accurately described by the thermal‐unit growth coefficient. The growth data also showed that the widely used specific growth rate was not an appropriate model. Fish fed at the lowest feeding level (25%), which represented a maintenance ration (energy gain was less than 2 kJ fish^?1 day^?1), showed positive protein deposition but negative lipid deposition. This indicates that fish fed a maintenance ration mobilize body lipid reserve to support protein deposition. The efficiency of energy for growth (k_g) was estimated to be 0.63. The factorial multiple regression approach estimated that the partial efficiencies of metabolizable energy utilization for protein deposition (k_p) and lipid deposition (k_f) were 0.63 and 0.72, and that maintenance energy requirement was about 19 kJ (kg BW^0.824)^?1, for rainbow trout held at 8.5°C.     

Studies on digestibility and digestive enzyme activities in Labeo rohita (Hamilton) juveniles: effect of microbial α-amylase supplementation in non-gelatinized or gelatinized corn-based diet at two protein levels

A 60-days feeding trial was conducted to delineate the effect of both gelatinized and non-gelatinized corn with or without supplementation with exogenous α-amylase at two dietary protein levels (35% and 28%) on dry matter digestibility, digestive enzymes and tissue glycogen content of Labeo rohita juveniles. Three hundred and sixty juveniles (average weight 10±0.15 g] were randomly distributed into 12 treatment groups with each of two replicates. Twelve semi-purified diets containing either 35% or 28% crude protein were prepared by including gelatinized (G) or non-gelatinized (NG) corn as carbohydrate source with different level of microbial α-amylase (0, 50, 100 and 150 mg kg⁻¹). The dry matter digestibility of G corn fed groups was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that of the NG corn fed groups. Hepatosomatic index (HSI), liver glycogen and intestinal amylase activity of G starch fed groups were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those of the NG corn fed groups. However, the reverse trend was found for gastrosomatic index (GSI), muscle glycogen and intestinal protease activity. Addition of 50 mg α-amylase kg⁻¹ feed improved the dry matter digestibility of NG starch fed groups, which was similar to that of the G corn fed groups or NG corn supplemented with 100/150 mg α-amylase kg⁻¹ feed. HSI, liver glycogen and intestinal amylase activity were significantly increased (P < 0.05) at minimum level of α-amylase in the feed (50 mg kg⁻¹) and did not increase due to further inclusion of amylase in the diet. Supplementation with α-amylase at 50 mg kg⁻¹ increased the intestinal amylase activity beyond which no significant changes were observed. Protease activity of liver and intestine was highest (P < 0.05) in higher crude protein (CP) fed groups, but protease activity of the intestine was significantly higher in the α-amylase supplemented groups. Hence, it was concluded that feed with 28% CP containing either G corn without α-amylase or NG corn with 50 mg α-amylase kg⁻¹ may be used as the alternative carbohydrate source for L. rohita juveniles.     

Effect of a mannan oligosaccharide on the growth performance and immune status of rainbow trout (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Oncorhynchus mykiss</Emphasis>)

The objective of these experimental trials was to determine the effect of a mannan oligosaccharide (MOS) derived from the outer cell wall of Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain 1026 on the growth performance and immune status of rainbow trout. Two experiments were conducted, one with eight net cages and the other with eight raceways. The net cage experiment (42 days) involved 14,400 fish with an initial average weight of 30 g. The raceway experiment (90 days) was conduced with 40,000 fish with an initial average weight of 101 g. Both experiments compared a commercial extruded diet with and without 2,000 ppm MOS supplementation. The calculated daily feed was supplied in six equal rations. Body weight, feed intake, and mortality were recorded and samples were taken for analysis of indicators of immune status. All data were subjected to ANOVA, with a net cage or raceway regarded as an experimental unit. Significantly improved performance and immune status were observed in the net cage trial—improved weight gain of 13.7% (P < 0.01), reduced feed conversion ratio (FCR) (P < 0.05), reduced mortality (P < 0.01), and improved indicators of immune status (P < 0.01) for fish fed the MOS supplement compared with controls. Similar significantly improved performance was observed for the MOS-treated groups in the raceway trial—9.97% improved weight gain (P < 0.01), lower FCR (P < 0.01), and reduced mortality compared with the control treatment. In the raceway trials, however, only the indicators of immune status lysozyme concentration, APCA, and CPCA were significantly improved by MOS treatment (P < 0.05). These experimental trials demonstrated the ability of MOS to improve the growth performance, survival, and immune status of rainbow trout produced in net cages or raceways.     

Pattern of feed intake in four species of fish under commercial farming conditions: implications for feeding management

Meal duration and feed ingestion rate were measured in sea cage-reared Atlantic salmon Salmo salar, rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss, yellowtail Seriola quinqueradiata and red sea bream Pagrus major fed dry extruded feed in discrete meals. At the population level, satiation times in yellowtail, salmon and trout were typically about 15–25 min, but time to satiation was longer (60–90 min) in red sea bream. In all species, feed ingestion rate declined progressively during the course of the meal as the fish became satiated. Initial feed ingestion rates in salmon were ≈ 0.3–0.5 kg feed tonne fish^–1 min^–1 and in trout 0.5–0.9 kg feed tonne fish^–1 min^–1, although the capacity to deliver feed may have restricted ingestion. Water temperature had little effect on ingestion rates, possibly because the number of meals per day (1–3) was varied with water temperature, and this may have standardized hunger level at the start of meals. Yellowtail ingested feed at ≈ 3.5 kg feed tonne fish^–1 min^–1 at water temperatures of 18 °C and 28 °C, whereas red sea bream ingested feed at initial rates of 0.6 and 1.4 kg feed tonne fish^–1 min^–1at 26.5 °C and 18 °C respectively. The findings are discussed in relation to feeding strategies to minimize interfish competition for feed and to improve the ability of fish farmers to detect the point at which fish are satiated.