吉富罗非鱼成鱼对饲料中有效磷的需要量

为获得吉富罗非鱼成鱼对饲料中有效磷的需要量,以磷酸二氢钾(KH₂PO₄)为磷源,配制含有效磷水平分别为0.15％(对照组)、0.40%、0.66%、0.91%、1.17%和1.43%的6组等氮等能的半纯化饲料,每组饲料饲喂3个重复,每个重复饲养20尾初始体质量为(184.46±8.13)g吉富罗非鱼,经过9周的饲养后,对生长性能、饲料效率、成活率、全鱼基本营养成分、脊椎骨及鳞片的磷含量进行测定。结果显示,饲料有效磷为0.66％或0.91%时,鱼体增重率和特定生长率较其它各组均显著提高(P<0.05),饲料效率显著高于对照组(P<0.05)。随着饲料有效磷含量的增加,实验鱼体的脏体指数、肝体指数和肥满度均显著降低(P<0.05),成活率无显著性变化(P＞0.05);全鱼粗蛋白、粗灰分及磷含量均显著提高(P<0.05),粗脂肪含量显著下降(P<0.05);脊椎骨和鳞片的粗灰分和磷含量均显著提高(P<0.05)。用抛物线模型拟合特定生长率与饲料有效磷含量,罗非鱼获得最大生长时,对饲料中有效磷需要量为0.85%;分别对全鱼磷含量、鳞片磷含量和脊椎骨灰分含量与饲料有效磷含量进行相关回归分析,罗非鱼对饲料中有效磷需要量分别为0.88%、1.14%、1.23%。     

不同无机盐预混料含量对鲈鱼生长和钙磷代谢的影响

以初始体质量(5.50±1.63)g的鲈鱼为研究对象,探讨饲料中添加不同含量的无机盐预混料对鲈鱼生长、鱼体成分及鱼体和脊椎骨钙和磷含量的影响。基础饲料中分别加入0%、1%、2%和4%的无机盐预混料制成4种等氮等能(蛋白质42%,总能20 kJ/g)的试验饲料,进行10周的摄食生长试验。试验结果表明,饲料中添加不同含量的无机盐预混料对鲈鱼的成活率无显著影响。随着饲料中无机盐预混料含量的升高,鲈鱼的饲料效率和特定生长率均呈上升趋势,并且当饲料中添加4%无机盐预混料时,鲈鱼的饲料效率和特定生长率均显著高于添加量为0%、1%和2%组(P<0.05)。饲料中添加不同含量的无机盐预混料对鲈鱼鱼体的水分含量无显著影响,但饲料中添加2%和4%的无机盐预混料时,鲈鱼鱼体的蛋白质和灰分含量均显著高于0%和1%添加量组(P<0.05),而脂肪含量显著低于0%和1%添加量组(P<0.05)。鱼体中钙和磷的变化趋势与鱼体灰分的变化趋势一致,均随着饲料中无机盐预混料含量的升高呈现明显的上升趋势,当饲料中添加4%无机盐预混料时鱼体钙和磷的含量显著高于添加量为0%组(P<0.05)。鱼体脊椎骨钙和磷的变化趋势与脊椎骨灰分的变化趋势一致,均随着饲料中无机盐预混料含量的升高呈现明显的下降趋势,并且当饲料中添加4%无机盐预混料时脊椎骨钙和磷的含量显著低于添加量为0%组(P<0.05)。在本试验条件下,鲈鱼配合饲料中无机盐预混料的推荐添加量为4%。     

花鱼骨对饲料中磷的营养需求

以酪蛋白-明胶为蛋白源,磷酸二氢钾为磷源配制6个磷水平(0.32%、0.58%、0.83%、1.09%、1.35%和1.59%)的等氮等能的精制饲料,饱食投喂花(鱼骨)[初始体质量为(7.97±0.07)g]8周,探讨饲料磷水平对花(鱼骨)生长、饲料利用、骨组织无机物含量、血清磷的影响,确定花(鱼骨)对饲料磷的需要量.试验结果表明:(1)当饲料磷水平从0.32%上升到0.83%时,增重、饲料效率随之而提高,但超过此水平后各组差异不显著(P0.05),折线模型分析饲料磷水平与相对增重率之间的关系,花(鱼骨)获得最大增重时饲料磷的最低需求为0.91%.(2)脊椎骨、鳃盖骨和鳞片的矿物组成受到饲料磷水平的显著影响(P<0.05),二次曲线回归方程拟合饲料磷水平与脊椎骨灰分率的关系,花(鱼骨)脊椎骨达到最大矿化时饲料磷为1.17%.(3)血清磷水平随饲料磷的增加而升高,饲料磷对血清钙没有显著影响.综合分析体增重、磷存留率、骨灰分含量、血清磷浓度等多项生物学指标,花(鱼骨)对饲料磷的需要量为0.91%～1.17%.     

饲料钙磷水平对宝石鲈生长和体成分的影响

以酪蛋白和明胶作为蛋白源,乳酸钙（Ca-lactate）和磷酸二氢钠(NaH2PO4•2H2O)为钙源和磷源,配制成D1（0.0%钙,0.0%磷）、D2（0.5%钙,0.0%磷）、D3（0.0%钙,0.6%磷）、D4（0.5%钙,0.6%磷）、D5（1.0%钙,0.6%磷）和D6（1.5%钙,0.6%磷）六种等氮等能纯化试验饲料。每组饲料饲喂3个重复,每重复饲养20尾宝石鲈幼鱼,经过室内网箱60天生长试验,探讨在饲料中添加钙磷对宝石鲈幼鱼（初始体质量13.42±0.68g）生长性能、全鱼和肌肉营养成分以及脊椎骨钙磷含量的影响。试验结果表明: 饲料中未添加磷组（D1和D2）试验鱼的终末体质量、特定生长率和脊椎骨钙磷含量显著低于添加组(P<0.05),而饲料系数、全体和肌肉脂肪含量显著高于添加组(P<0.05)。当饲料中未添加磷时,添加0.5%钙对宝石鲈的特定生长率、饲料系数、全鱼和肌肉营养成分、脊椎骨的灰分和钙磷含量没有显著影响(P>0.05)。当饲料中添加0.6%磷时,钙的添加量（0~1.5%）对宝石鲈的终末体质量、特定生长率、饲料系数、全鱼组成、肌肉组成（水分、粗蛋白和灰分）和脊椎骨组成（粗灰分、磷和钙磷比）没有显著影响(P>0.05)。饲料中钙添加量过大（1.5%）组脊椎骨钙含量显著减少(P<0.05)。饲料中添加磷显著降低了鱼体中粗脂肪含量(P<0.05),但提高了脊椎骨钙磷的含量(P<0.05)。各组脊椎骨钙磷比均处于1.78～1.82范围内,组间差异不显著(P>0.05)。通过宝石鲈幼鱼生长性能和脊椎骨矿化作用分析表明,当饲料中添加0.6%磷时,钙的适宜添加量为0.5%。 关键词：宝石鲈;钙;磷     

酸制剂对罗非鱼生长和饲料利用的影响

为考察不同酸制剂对奥尼罗非鱼幼鱼生长和饲料利用的影响,在基础饲料(对照组)中分别添加0.3%磷酸、富马酸、柠檬酸和乳酸,饲养奥尼罗非鱼幼鱼9周(初始平均体重约1.9g)。结果表明,添加0.3%柠檬酸和乳酸饲料组的罗非鱼特定生长率显著高于对照组和添加富马酸组(P<0.05);磷酸组、柠檬酸组和乳酸组的饲料效率较对照组有提高趋势(P>0.05),乳酸组的饲料效率显著高于富马酸组(P<0.05);柠檬酸组和乳酸组鱼体水分含量显著高于富马酸组(P<0.05),体粗蛋白、粗脂肪和灰分含量在组间差异不显著(P>0.05);胃蛋白酶活性在富马酸组显著低于其它饲料组(P<0.05),肠淀粉酶活性在柠檬酸组和乳酸组显著高于对照组(P<0.05);肝脏代谢酶活性在柠檬酸组和乳酸组显著高于对照组、磷酸组和富马酸组(P<0.05),相应地,柠檬酸组和乳酸组罗非鱼血清甘油三酯含量显著高于对照组(P<0.05)。结果说明,添加0.3%柠檬酸和乳酸能显著促进罗非鱼幼鱼生长,提高饲料的利用,富马酸降低罗非鱼对饲料的利用。     

草鱼对饲料中磷需要量的研究

采用酪蛋白—明胶(7:1,W/W)为基础的精制饲料,以磷酸二氢钙作磷源,用梯度法进行草鱼对饲料中磷需要量的试验,证实草鱼的生长受饲料中磷含量的影响较大。饲料中磷不足,草鱼生长缓慢,饲料系数高,整条鱼体水分、灰分、钙、磷和钙磷比低下,脂肪积累,脊椎骨磷含量低下。饲料中磷含量过高引起草鱼生长缓慢,甚至死亡。根据鱼的增重率、饲料系数等分析判断:草鱼饲料中磷的适宜范围为0.95—1.10％,草鱼对饲料中有效磷的需要量为0.85—1.00％。试验表明:草鱼饲料中的盐类添加应以磷为主体。     

赤眼鳟鱼种配合饲料适宜钙磷水平及其比例的研究

选取平均体重为4.05 g的赤眼鳟(Squaliobarbus curriculus)鱼种1080尾,随机分成9组,每组3个重复,每个重复置1个1.6 m×1.2 m×1.4 m的养殖池饲养。采用3×3析因试验,研究赤眼鳟鱼种对配合饲料中钙磷的需要量及适宜钙磷比。钙和磷各分别设3个水平:0.6%、1.2%和1.8%,共配制9种试验饲料喂养45 d。结果表明:饲料中钙、磷的交互作用对赤眼鳟的特定生长率有显著影响(P<0.05),但钙、磷的交互作用对饲料系数和成活率的影响不显著(P>0.05)。饲料中钙水平对赤眼鳟的特定生长率和饲料系数无显著影响(P>0.05),但磷水平对赤眼鳟的特定生长率和饲料系数有显著影响(P<0.05)。赤眼鳟对钙、磷的需要量分别为0.6%～1.8%、1.2%～1.8%,而适合赤眼鳟生长的钙磷比为1∶1～1∶3。试验各组赤眼鳟肌肉的钙、磷含量及钙磷比以及脊椎骨的钙磷比差异均不显著(P>0.05)。但饲料中钙水平对赤眼鳟脊椎骨中钙、磷含量影响显著(P<0.05),骨中钙、磷含量均随饲料中钙水平增加而增加。     

饲料蛋白水平对史氏鲟幼体消化率的影响

本实验研究了饲料蛋白水平对史氏鲟 (Acipenserschrenki)幼体消化率的影响。试验设计了四个饲料蛋白水平 ,分别为 :2 8%、 32 %、 36 %、 41 %。结果表明饲料的蛋白质含量对史氏鲟幼体总消化率 (干物质消化率 )影响不显著 ,但对饲料中各主要营养成分的消化率有明显作用。饲料蛋白质含量对鲟鱼幼体的蛋白消化率影响极显著 ,二者呈三次曲线关系 :y=0 92 +0 0 0 0 5 (x - 36) 2 +4 44(x - 36) 3,饲料蛋白含量 36 %的试验组幼鲟对蛋白质的消化率最高 ,达到 93 % ;鲟鱼对饲料粗脂肪的消化率也受到饲料蛋白水平的显著影响 ,蛋白含量为 32 %和 36 %的两个试验组对脂肪的消化率显著高于其他两组 ;幼鲟对糖类的消化率同饲料蛋白水平间呈显著的对数曲线关系 :y=1 90 3 - 84 2lgx。综合分析认为 ,当饲料中的蛋白含量在 36 %时 ,幼鲟对饲料各营养物质的消化率最高 ,所以幼鲟饲料的蛋白含量控制在 36 %左右比较适宜     

饲料蛋白水平对星斑川鲽幼鱼生长、体组成及血浆生化指标的影响

以鱼粉为蛋白源,配制5个不同蛋白质水平(34.85%,40.48%,46.54%,51.54%,56.69%)的等能饲料.以初始体质量为(54.52±0.23)g的星斑川鲽(Platichthys stellatus)为实验对象,在室内循环水养殖系统中进行54 d的摄食生长实验,研究饲料蛋白水平对星斑川鲽幼鱼生长、体组成及血浆生化指标的影响.结果显示:(1)增重率(WGR)和特定生长率(SGR)随着饲料蛋白水平的增加而上升,51.54%和56.69%饲料组之间差异不显著(P>0.05),其余各组差异显著(P<0.05);51.54%饲料组的蛋白质效率(PER)显著高于其他各组(P<0.05);51.54%饲料组的蛋白质沉积率(PRE)也显著高于34.85%、46.54%和56.69%组(P<0.05),但与40.48%饲料组差异不显著(P>0.05).以增重率为参考指标,折线回归分析结果表明,星斑川鲽幼鱼获得最佳增重时对饲料中蛋白质的需要量为53.56%.(2)饲料不同蛋白水平对星斑川鲽幼鱼鱼体灰分含量没有显著影响,但显著影响了鱼体粗蛋白、粗脂肪和水分的含量(P<0.05).51.54%饲料组鱼体粗蛋白含量最高,显著高于34.85%组(P<0.05),而与40.48%、46.54%和56.69%组之间无显著差异(P>0.05);鱼体粗脂肪含量随着饲料蛋白水平的升高而下降,水分含量表现出与粗脂肪含量相反的趋势.(3)饲料蛋白含量对星斑川鲽幼鱼部分血浆生化指标也产生了显著性的影响.血浆总蛋白(TP)以51.54%组最高,与56.69%组差异不显著(P>0.05),,但显著高于34.85%、40.48%和46.54%组(P<0.05);40.48%、51.54%和56.69%组间血浆尿素氮(BUN)含量差异不显著(P>0.05),但显著低于34.85%和46.54%组(P<0.05).综合以上结果,星斑川鲽饲料中蛋白质适宜添加量为51.54%～53.56%.     

翘嘴红鲌幼鱼对蛋白质的需要量

用酪蛋白和白鱼粉为蛋白源配制7种蛋白含量为32.07%～45.64%的半精制试验饲料,喂养7组3个重复的翘嘴红幼鱼8周。饲养试验在室内玻璃钢水箱中进行,试验鱼每尾平均初始体重2.88±0.22g,水温为25～29℃。结果显示:蛋白质水平为41.05%的试验组的鱼体增重、特定生长率、饲料效率和蛋白质效率等指标均显著高于其它试验组(P<0.05);对特定生长率(Y)和饲料效率(F)二项指标的二次曲线回归分析求得翘嘴红幼鱼饲料蛋白最适值分别为40.94%和41.35%;饲料蛋白水平对鱼体(全鱼)的水分、粗蛋白和粗灰分的含量无显著影响(P>0.05),而较高水平饲料蛋白会使鱼体脂肪含量明显降低(P<0.05)。     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Cardiac,ventilatory and metabolic responses of two ecologically dissimilar species of fish to waterborne cyanide

Changes in heart rate, ventilatory activity and oxygen consumption were determined in trout (Salmo gairdneri) and brown bullhead catfish (Ictalurus nebulosus) during exposure to a steadily increasing concentration of waterborne cyanide selected to produce death in 8–9 hours for each species. The lethal cyanide concentration for the bullheads was an order of magnitude higher than for trout. Trout developed an immediate and gradually increasing bradycardia throughout the exposure period. Cyanide produced tachycardia in the bullhead followed by a gradual onset of bradycardia as the concentration of cyanide was raised. Pericardial injection of atropine (a muscarinic cholinergic antagonist) indicated that bradycardia in the trout was due initially to increased vagal tone but later due to the direct effect of cyanide on the heart. Hyperventilation in the trout persisted throughout the exposure period, although the rate and amplitude fluctuated and was variable between individual fish. During the last hour of exposure (highest cyanide concentration), ventilation was characterized by rapid, shallow breaths followed by a sudden respiratory arrest. The bullheads exhibited hyperventilation during the first 3 hours of exposure followed by a gradual, linear drop in ventilation rate and amplitude until death occurred. Cardiac and ventilatory responses in both species were attributed to stimulation of central and peripheral chemoreceptors by cyanide. Evidence is presented which suggests the initial response in the bullheads was due, at least in part, to gustatory stimulation by the cyanide. Oxygen consumption of the trout remained above pre-exposure levels for the majority of the test period. Oxygen consumption in the bullhead paralleled the changes in heart and ventilatory rates. Whole-body lactate levels of fingerlings of both species during cyanide exposure were measured to estimate the extent of anaerobiosis. Whole-body lactate levels were much greater in the bullheads than the trout, indicating a higher capacity for anaerobiosis, possibly due to a greater fuel supply. Overall, the trout responded to cyanide in a manner similar to that produced by environmental hypoxia whereas the bullheads experienced a gustatory stimulus which masked the hypoxia-like response.     

An overview of stress physiology of fish transport: changes in water quality as a function of transport duration

This study brings an integrated analysis about the relationship between water deterioration and its physiological consequences in live fish transport. The analysis was focused on the transport water and its deterioration, and physiological challenges imposed on the fish. Usual commercial handling procedures employed to mitigate fish stress during transport were discussed. Future topics of research for the establishment of safer fish transport protocols were proposed. Transport was classified into short (≤8 h) or long transport (>8 h). The main issue in short transports should be the prevention of water pH reduction, while in long transports it is the increase in ammonia. Plasma cortisol is the most employed marker for stress and is acutely elevated upon short episodes of transport, but remains elevated even in long‐transport events. Plasma glucose is perhaps a better marker for handling stress. Plasma lactate, pH, osmolality CO₂ and ions should be more often evaluated. Plasma Na⁺ and Cl^‐ are very useful markers of acidosis, due to their respective exchange for H⁺ and , for acid–base regulation. The establishment of species‐specific transport protocols should be preceded by such combined analyses of water and physiological parameters.     

Are hatchery‐reared abalone naïve of predators? Comparing the behaviours of wild and hatchery‐reared northern abalone,Haliotis kamtschatkana (Jonas, 1845)

Abalone populations have declined worldwide, generating interest in enhancement using hatchery‐reared individuals. In many cases, such restoration efforts have met with limited success due to high predator‐induced mortality rates. Furthermore, the mortality rates of outplanted hatchery abalone are often considerably higher than for wild individuals. This study uses northern abalone (Haliotis kamtschatkana) as a case study to determine whether hatchery‐reared abalone behave differently than their wild counterparts. In the field, outplanted hatchery‐reared abalone were significantly less responsive than wild abalone, in terms of number of abalone responding and intensity of response, to nearby movement and to physical contact with an inert probe. Also, when encountering a cue to which all abalone responded (a seastar predator), hatchery‐reared individuals remained subdued. Anti‐predator behavioural deficits in hatchery‐reared abalone were more pronounced in 4‐year‐old individuals than in 1‐year‐old individuals, suggesting an influence of either age or amount of time spent in the hatchery environment. These behavioural differences are expected to increase the vulnerability of hatchery‐reared abalone to predators, and are likely a major cause of their elevated predator‐induced mortality when outplanted.     

Effects of cadmium on the kinetics of calcium uptake in developing tilapia larvae, Oreochromis mossambicus

The toxic effects of Cd²⁺ on Ca²⁺ influx kinetics in developing tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) larvae were evaluated. Addition of 20 µg l^-1 of Cd²⁺ to the environment of 0 and 3 day-old larvae competitively inhibited the Ca²⁺ uptake within 4h resulting in a great increase in K_m values for Ca²⁺ influx (19.3 and 17.4 fold, respectively) as compared with their respective controls. Consequently, the actual Ca²⁺ influx of larvae in solutions of 0.2 mM Ca²⁺ are suppressed by 32–45%. Also, 3 day-old larvae were more sensitive to internally accumulated Cd²⁺ than 0 day-old larvae. Although the Ca²⁺ influx in 0 and 3 day-old larvae may be restored to the levels of their respective controls with 24h of being transferred to a 20 µg l^-1 Cd²⁺ solution, total body Ca²⁺ content was significantly reduced in 3 day-old larvae. Increased Ca²⁺ uptake efficiency ensures sufficient Ca²⁺ for normal growth. However, rapid increase in Ca²⁺ influx after hatching also leads to higher Cd²⁺ uptake. Exposure to Cd²⁺ will lead to a drop in body Ca²⁺ content resulting in retardation of larval growth. Therefore, we conclude that if Ca²⁺ uptake is interfered with at this critical stage of development, larvae will not be able to maintain normal levels of body Ca²⁺ and will show signs of Cd²⁺ poisoning.     

Migratory dynamics of stream-spawning longnose gar (Lepisosteus osseus)

Abstract– Literature evidence suggests that lake-dwelling longnose gar (Lepisosteus osseus) enter tributary streams to spawn, Until the present study, the dynamics of this breeding migration had never been investigated quantitatively. During the summers of 1991 and 1992, longnose gar were captured as they entered Weaubleau Creek, Missouri, a tributary of Harry S. Truman Reservoir. The in-stream spawning migration began in early April and ended in late May, and was positively correlated with stream flow and water level, and negatively correlated with water temperature. In-stream residence times ranged from 15 to 94 days, with males exhibiting longer residence times than females. Once in-stream, longnose gar travelled as far as 10 km upstream and occupied certain pools at greater relative frequencies. Although the reason for this preferential utilization is not completely understood, it may relate to pool depth and riffle proximity. Longnose gar disperse from the spawning stream great distances, with gar captured in Weaubleau Creek being recaptured up to 48 km away. This information should provide fisheries biologists the means to consider the reproductive ecology of this species in their conservation and management decisions.     

Nutritional regulation of hepatocyte fatty acid desaturation and polyunsaturated fatty acid composition in zebrafish (Danio rerio) and tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

The desaturation and elongation of [1-¹⁴C]18:3n-3 was investigated in hepatocytes of the tropical warm freshwater species, zebrafish (Danio rerio) and Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The hepatocyte fatty acid desaturation/elongation pathway was assayed before and after the fish were fed two experimental diets, a control diet containing fish oil (FO) and a diet containing vegetable oil (VO; a blend of olive, linseed and high oleic acid sunflower oils) for 10 weeks. The VO diet was formulated to provide 1% each of 18:2n-6 and 18:3n-3, and so satisfy the possible EFA requirements of zebrafish and tilapia. At the end of the dietary trial, the lipid and fatty acid composition was determined in whole zebrafish, and liver, white muscle and brain of tilapia. Both zebrafish and tilapia expressed a hepatocyte fatty acid desaturation/elongation pattern consistent with them being freshwater and planktonivorous fish. The data also showed that hepatic fatty acid desaturation/elongation was nutritionally regulated with the activities being higher in fish fed the VO diet compared to fish fed the FO diet. In zebrafish, the main effect of the VO diet was increased fatty acid Δ6 desaturase activity resulting in the production of significantly more 18:4n-3 compared to fish fed the FO diet. In tilapia, all activities in the pathway were greater in fish fed the VO diet resulting in increased amounts of all fatty acids in the pathway, but primarily eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n-3). However, the fatty acid compositional data indicated that despite increased activity, desaturation of 18:3n-3 was insufficient to maintain tissue proportions of EPA and DHA in fish fed the VO diet at the same level as in fish fed the FO diet. Practically, these results indicate that manipulation of tilapia diets in commercial culture in response to the declining global fish oil market would have important consequences for fish fatty acid composition and the health of consumers. Scientifically, zebrafish and tilapia, both the subject of active genome mapping projects, could be useful models for studies of lipid and fatty acid metabolism at a molecular biological and genetic level. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

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.