Effect of dietary carbohydrate‐to‐lipid ratios on growth performance,body composition,nutrient utilization and hepatic enzymes activities of herbivorous grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)

Six isonitrogenous (390 g kg^?1) and isoenergetic (16.2 kJ g^?1) diets with varying carbohydrate : lipid (CHO : L) ratios (202.5–1.74), were fed to triplicate groups of 25 fish in indoor recirculation system. Over 8‐week‐growth trial, best weight gain (WG), specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency ratio and protein production value (P < 0.05) were observed in fish‐fed diets with CHO : L ratio of 7.5. Fish fed either the lowest (1.7) or highest (202.5) CHO : L ratio tended to produce lower (P < 0.05) growth and feed conversion efficiencies. The values of viscerosomatic index, hepatosomatic index and intraperitoneal fat ratio increased as dietary CHO : L ratios decreased. There were no significant differences in whole body and liver crude protein among dietary treatments. Whole body and liver lipid increased as CHO : L ratios decreased. Plasma cholesterol and triacylglyceride levels increased linearly as dietary CHO : L ratios decreased. Activities of glucokinase and pyruvate kinase were stimulated by elevated levels of dietary carbohydrate; however, activities of lipase (LPS) and alkaline phosphatase were stimulated by elevated levels of dietary lipid. Based on a second‐order polynomial regression analysis of WG against dietary carbohydrate and lipid levels, 275 g kg^?1 of carbohydrate and 59 g kg^?1 of lipid, corresponding to a CHO : L ratio of 4.7, in a diet holding 390 g kg^?1 of crude protein and 16.3 kJ g^?1 of gross energy, proved to be optimal for grass carp. These results indicated that utilization of dietary lipid and carbohydrate was moderate in grass carp, but the fish were a little more capable of utilizing lipid compared with carbohydrate.     

Growth,feed utilization,body composition and swimming performance of giant croaker,Nibea japonica Temminck and Schlegel,fed at different dietary protein and lipid levels

A 50‐day feeding trial was conducted to examine the effects of dietary protein and lipid levels on growth, feed utilization, body composition and swimming performance of giant croaker, Nibea japonica. Fish (initial body weight 44.6 g ind⁻¹) were fed ten test diets which were formulated at 5 crude protein levels (360, 400, 440, 480 and 520 g kg⁻¹) and 2 crude lipid levels (90 and 150 g kg⁻¹). In addition, a raw fish diet (fillet of small yellow croaker) served as the reference. The weight gain (WG) increased, whereas the feed intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) decreased, with increasing dietary protein level from 360 to 520 g kg⁻¹. At the same dietary protein level, no significant difference was found in the WG between fish fed the diets containing 90 or 150 g kg⁻¹ crude lipid. Fish fed the diet containing 480 g kg⁻¹ crude protein and 90 g kg⁻¹ crude lipid exhibited higher WG, nitrogen retention efficiency (NRE) and energy retention efficiency (ERE) but lower nitrogen wastes output (TNW). At the end of the feeding trial, the hepatosomatic index (HSI) and viscerosomatic index (VSI) decreased, whereas the body protein content increased, with increase in dietary protein level. The body lipid content was higher in fish fed at the 150 g kg⁻¹ lipid level than in fish fed at the 90 g kg⁻¹ lipid level. No significant difference was found in the maximum sustained swimming speed (MSS) between fish fed at different dietary protein and lipid levels. The WG, NRE, ERE and condition factor (CF) were higher, whereas the FI, FCR, HSI, VSI and TNW were lower, in fish fed the raw fish diet than in fish fed the diet containing 480 g kg⁻¹ crude protein and 90 g kg⁻¹ crude lipid. No significant difference was detected in the MSS between fish fed the raw fish diet and diet containing 480 g kg⁻¹ crude protein and 90 g kg⁻¹ crude lipid. The results of this study suggest that the suitable dietary crude protein and crude lipid levels are 480 g kg⁻¹ and 90 g kg⁻¹ for giant croaker reared in net pens.     

Growth and metabolism of pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus Holmberg 1887) juveniles fed diets containing different protein, lipid and carbohydrate levels

To verify the potential of lipids and carbohydrates to spare dietary protein and to understand the intermediary metabolism of interaction of these nutrients in pacu juveniles, an experiment was carried out to evaluate pacu physiological and performance parameters. The experimental design was completely randomized with 12 treatments in a 2 × 2 × 3 factorial arrangement, consisting of diets containing two digestible protein levels (200 and 230 g kg⁻¹ PD), two lipid levels (40 and 80 g kg⁻¹) and three carbohydrate levels (410, 460 and 500 g kg⁻¹). Fish‐fed 230 g kg⁻¹ digestable protein (DP) showed increased glycaemia, decreased hepatic glycogen, as well as a smaller intake index and better feed conversion ratio. The higher dietary lipid level (80 g kg⁻¹) reduced protein intake and serum protein concentration, increased liver and body fat content, but did not affect growth. At a lipid level of 80 g kg⁻¹, the increase in dietary carbohydrate levels promoted greater weight gain (WG), crude protein intake (CPI) and better feed conversion ratio (FCR). For fish fed diets containing 40 g kg⁻¹ lipid, the best energy‐productive values (EPV) were obtained at 460 g kg⁻¹ carbohydrate. Increased levels of the main nutrients in the diets reduced the levels of serum triglycerides, while the increase in energy concentration increased the hepatosomatic (HSI) and glycaemia index values. Pacu used lipids as effectively as carbohydrates in the maximization of protein usage, as long as dietary protein was at a level of 230 g kg⁻¹ DP. The physiological parameters indicated that the best balance between the DP, dietary lipid and carbohydrate levels within the ranged this trial was obtained at 230, 40 and 460 g kg⁻¹, respectively, without lower growth.     

Effects of dietary carbohydrate to lipid ratios on growth and body composition of juvenile and grower rockfish, Sebastes schlegeli

Two feeding trials were conducted to determine the optimal dietary carbohydrate to lipid (CHO:L) ratio for juvenile and grower rockfish. Triplicate groups of juvenile (initial mean weight 3.6 g) and duplicate groups of grower (initial mean weight 166 g) were fed the five isonitrogenous (51% CP) and isoenergetic (4.0 kcal g^?1) diets with the different CHO:L ratios (0.4–5.6 g:g) for 8 weeks respectively. The survival of juvenile and grower was above 93% and was not affected by the dietary CHO:L ratios. Weight gain of juvenile fed the diets with CHO:L ratios of 0.8 and 1.6 was significantly higher than that of the fish fed diets with CHO:L ratios of 2.8 and 5.6 (P<0.05). The feed efficiency and protein efficiency ratio of juvenile fed the diet with CHO:L ratio of 5.6 were the lowest among all groups (P<0.05). The daily feed intake of juvenile fed the diet with a CHO:L ratio of 5.6 was significantly higher than that of the other groups (P<0.05). The condition factors of juvenile fed the diets with CHO:L ratios of 0.8 and 1.6 were significantly higher than that of 5.6 (P<0.05). The crude lipid content of whole body, liver and viscera of juvenile decreased as the dietary CHO:L ratio increased, and the opposite was found for the moisture content. Weight gain, feed efficiency, daily feed intake, protein efficiency ratio and condition factor of grower were not affected by the dietary CHO:L ratio. Hepatosomatic and viscerasomatic indexes of grower were significantly influenced by dietary CHO:L ratio (P<0.05). Significant differences were observed in the lipid content of whole body and viscera of grower. Dietary CHO:L ratios significantly affected the major fatty acid composition of whole body in both juvenile and grower. The contents of 18:2n‐6 and 18:3n‐3 linearly decreased as the dietary CHO:L ratio increased, whereas the 20:4n‐6, 20:5n‐3 and 22:6n‐3 contents increased. Based on growth, feed efficiency and body composition, the optimal dietary CHO:L ratio was 1.6 for juvenile rockfish fed isonitrogenous (51% CP) and isoenergetic (4.0 kcal g^?1) diets, and starch could partially replace lipids in the diets with CHO:L ratios ranging from 0.4 to 5.6 for grower.     

Protein‐sparing capability of dietary lipid in herbivorous and omnivorous freshwater finfish: a comparative case study on grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) and tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus × O. aureus)

Two, 8‐week feeding trials were conducted to compare protein‐sparing capability of dietary lipid in herbivorous grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) and omnivorous tilapia (Oreochomis niloticus × O. aureus). Utilizing a 2 × 3 factorial design, experimental diets containing two levels of crude protein (380 and 250 g kg⁻¹) and three levels of lipid (0, 40 and 100 g kg⁻¹) were formulated for use in both feeding trials. Growth performances showed better response of both fish fed 380 g kg⁻¹ protein diet than those fed 250 g kg⁻¹ protein diet. Despite the dietary protein level, weight gain (WG), specific growth ratio (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and protein efficiency ratio were much higher (P < 0.05) for grass carp fed 40 g kg⁻¹ lipid diet than those fed 100 g kg⁻¹ lipid diet; however, there were no significant differences in tilapia fed the two diets. The feed intake of grass carp fed lipid‐free diet was the lowest, but it tended to decrease with increase in dietary lipids in tilapia. Lipid retention (LR) was negatively correlated with dietary lipid concentration of both fish. Viscerosomatic index (VSI), hepatosomatic index (HSI), intraperitoneal fat ratio (IPF) and whole‐body and liver lipid content positively correlated with dietary lipid concentration of both fish. Plasma parameters and liver enzymes activities were also positively correlated with dietary lipid concentration of both fish. Liver lipid contents were higher and enzymes activities were lower in grass carp when compared with tilapia. These data suggested that there was no evidence of a protein‐sparing effect of dietary lipids in grass carp. Tilapia has relatively higher capacity to endure high dietary lipid level compared to grass carp.     

Utilization of different raw and pre-gelatinized starch sources by juvenile yellowfin seabream Sparus latus

Raw corn starch (RCS), raw tapioca starch (RTS), raw potato starch (RPS), pre‐gelatinized corn starch (PCS), pre‐gelatinized tapioca starch (PTS) and pre‐gelatinized potato starch (PPS) were evaluated as starch sources in diets for yellowfin seabream Sparus latus in a 56‐day growth trial. Seven isonitrogenous semi‐purified diets comprising a non‐starch cellulose control diet and the six different starch sources holding 200 g kg⁻¹ starch each were prepared and fed to triplicate groups of juvenile yellowfin seabream S. latus. Fish were fed for 8 weeks. Weight gain (WG) and specific growth rate (SGR) for fish fed RCS, RTS and RPS diets were equal, as well as for fish fed PCS, PTS and PPS diets, but values in groups fed the raw starch sources were significantly higher compared with fish fed the pre‐gelatinized starches. Feed efficiency and protein efficiency ratio in fish fed different starch source diets showed no significant differences but were significantly higher than those fed a non‐starch control diet. Protein productive value was improved by starch incorporation to diets. PCS, PTS or PPS groups showed lower feed intake compared with RCS, RTS or RPS groups, and the differences were significant between PCS, PPS and RCS, RPS groups. Whole‐body protein and ash contents and muscle compositions were not affected by different starch sources. Whole‐body and liver lipid contents, liver moisture and glycogen contents were significantly affected by starch source. Values of hepatosomatic index, intraperitoneal fat ratio, viscerosomatic index and condition factor did not vary between experimental treatments. Plasma total protein concentration for RCS, RTS or RPS fed fish was significantly higher than that for PCS, PTS or PPS fed fish, but significantly lower than that for non‐starch fed fish. Plasma cholesterol and triacylglycerol concentrations were unaffected by starch source, but were significantly higher in fish fed the non‐starch control diets. Plasma glucose concentrations in all dietary groups were relatively stable. In conclusion, raw corn, tapioca and potato starches at a 200 g kg⁻¹ inclusion level were well utilized as energy sources by yellowfin seabream, which was evidenced by better WG and SGR. Pre‐gelatinization of the starches had no positive effect on starch utilization.     

Growth,feed utilization and body composition of Asian catfish (Pangasius hypophthalmus) fed at different dietary protein and lipid levels

This study examined the effect of dietary protein and lipid levels on growth, feed utilization and body composition of Asian catfish Pangasius hypophthalmus reared in cages. Eight test diets were formulated at four protein (340, 380, 420 and 460 g kg⁻¹ crude protein) and two lipid (50 and 90 g kg⁻¹ crude lipid) levels. Fish (initial weight 4.7 g fish⁻¹) were fed the test diets for 8 weeks. Final body weight, weight gain (WG), feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), contents of crude protein, lipid and energy in whole body were dependent on both dietary protein and lipid levels, while specific growth rate (SGR), hepatosomatic index and body moisture content were dependent on dietary lipid level. The WG and SGR increased with the increase in either dietary protein level (at the same lipid level) or lipid level (at the same protein level). The FI and FCR decreased with the increase in dietary protein level (at the same lipid level) or lipid level (at the same protein level). Protein sparing action occurred in case dietary lipid level increased. Fish fed the diet containing 453 g kg⁻¹ crude protein and 86 g kg⁻¹ lipid had the highest WG and SGR, but the lowest FI and FCR, among the diet treatments. There were no significant differences in the protein retention efficiency (PRE) and energy retention efficiency (ERE) among the diet treatments, although PRE and ERE were relatively high in fish fed the diet containing 453 g kg⁻¹ crude protein and 86 g kg⁻¹ lipid. At the end of the feeding trial, body protein content increased, while body lipid content decreased, with the increase in dietary protein content at the same lipid level. Our results suggest that dietary levels of 450 g kg⁻¹ crude protein and 90 g kg⁻¹ lipid are adequate to support fast growth of P. hypophthalmus reared in cages.     

Optimum dietary protein and lipid levels for growth of juvenile sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus

A feeding trial of three protein (200, 300 and 400 g kg⁻¹) and two lipid levels (20 and 100 g kg⁻¹) was conducted to determine the proper dietary protein and lipid levels for growth of juvenile sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus. Dietary protein and lipid levels were adjusted by adding with different levels of soybean meal, squid liver oil and soybean oil, respectively. Three replicate groups of sea cucumbers (average weight of 1.3 g) were fed the experimental diets for 12 weeks. At the end of the feeding trial, survival was not affected by dietary protein and lipid levels (P > 0.05). Weight gain (WG) and specific growth rate (SGR) of sea cucumbers were significantly affected by dietary protein (P < 0.006) and lipid levels (P < 0.001). The highest WG and SGR were observed in sea cucumbers fed the 200 and 400 g kg⁻¹ protein diet with 20 g kg⁻¹ lipid (P < 0.05). WG and SGR of sea cucumbers fed the diet containing 20 g kg⁻¹ lipid were higher than those of sea cucumbers fed the 100 g kg⁻¹ lipid diets (P < 0.05) at each dietary protein level. Apparent digestibility coefficients of dry matter, crude protein, carbohydrate and gross energy of sea cucumbers fed the 20 g kg⁻¹ lipid diets were significantly higher than those of the 100 g kg⁻¹ lipid diets at 200 and 400 g kg⁻¹ protein (P < 0.05). Moisture, crude protein, crude lipid and ash contents were not significantly different among the groups. The results of this study indicate that the diet containing 200 g kg⁻¹ protein (170 g kg⁻¹ digestible protein) with 20 g kg⁻¹ lipid (13 g kg⁻¹ digestible lipid) may be sufficient for optimum growth of juvenile sea cucumber.     

Digestibility and performance of pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus) juveniles — fed diets containing different protein, lipid and carbohydrate levels

Due to lack of information on the use of non‐protein energy sources in diets for pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus), a 2 × 2 × 3 factorial experiment was conducted to evaluate the performance and digestibility of 12 diets containing approximately two crude protein (CP; 220 and 250 g kg⁻¹), two lipid (40 and 80 g kg⁻¹) and three carbohydrate levels (410, 460 and 500 g kg⁻¹). The pacu juveniles‐fed diets containing 220 g kg⁻¹ CP did not respond (P > 0.05) to increased dietary lipid and carbohydrate levels, but the fish‐fed diets containing 250 g kg⁻¹ CP showed a better feed conversion ratio. There were interactions in weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR), crude protein intake (CPI) and feed conversion rate (FCR) dependent on dietary carbohydrate and lipid levels, showing positive effects of increasing carbohydrate levels only for fish‐fed diets containing 80 g kg⁻¹ lipid level. However, when the diets contained 40 g kg⁻¹ lipid, the best energy productive value (EPV) results were obtained at 460 g kg⁻¹ carbohydrate. A higher usage of lipids (80 g kg⁻¹) reduced CPI and was detrimental to protein [apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC)_CP] and energy (ADC_GE), but did not affect growth. The ADC_GE improved proportionally as dietary carbohydrate levels increased (P < 0.05), increasing the concentration of digestible energy. In addition, the WG, CPI, ADC_GE results showed best use of the energy from carbohydrates when dietary protein level was 250 g kg⁻¹ CP. The utilization of 250 g kg⁻¹ CP in feeds for juvenile pacu for optimal growth is suggested. Therefore, the optimum dietary lipid and carbohydrate levels depend on their combinations. It can be stated that pacu uses carbohydrates as effectively as lipids in the maximization of protein usage, as long as it is not lower than 250 g kg⁻¹ CP or approximately 230 g kg⁻¹ digestible protein.     

Dietary energy requirement of piracanjuba fingerlings, Brycon orbignyanus, and relative utilization of dietary carbohydrate and lipid

Ten isonitrogenous casein–gelatin‐based diets were formulated to contain five estimated metabolizable energy concentrations (10.92, 12.29, 13.63, 14.82 and 16.16 kJ g^?1) at two carbohydrate‐to‐lipid ratios (CHO : L, 5.3 and 12.8, g : g) in a 5 × 2 factorial arrangement. Each diet was assigned to triplicate groups of 11 piracanjuba fingerlings (5.25 ± 0.14 g) and fed to apparent satiation twice a day for 90 days. Higher daily weight gain was obtained by fish fed the 13.63 kJ g^?1 diets for both CHO : L ratios. There was a significant reduction of feed consumption when dietary energy concentration increased above 13.63 kJ g^?1. Feed conversion ratio and apparent net energy retention improved as dietary energy increased. Apparent net protein retention tended to be lower in the highest and lowest dietary energy concentrations. The results suggest that dietary lipid energy was more efficiently utilized by piracanjuba fingerlings than carbohydrate energy. Body composition and hepatosomatic index (HSI) were not influenced by dietary CHO : L ratio. However, an increase in dietary energy concentration beyond 13.63 kJ g^?1 resulted in a significant increment in lipid deposition, while body moisture and HSI decreased. Our findings indicate that at 300 g kg^?1 dietary crude protein, a CHO : L ratio of 5.3 is recommended for piracanjuba, and the required energy is either 13.63 kJ g^?1 if raised for aquaculture or 14.82 kJ g^?1 if destined to stock enhancement.     

Evaluation of pea protein isolate as alternative protein source in diets for juvenile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

To evaluate isolated pea protein as feed ingredient for tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) juveniles, triplicate groups were fed with four isonitrogenous [crude protein: 421.1–427.5 g kg⁻¹ in dry matter (d.m.)] and isoenergetic (gross energy: 20.46–21.06 MJ kg⁻¹ d.m.) diets with varying protein sources for 8 weeks. Fish meal-based protein content of diets was substituted with 0% (diet 100/0=control group), 30% (diet 70/30), 45% (diet 55/45) and 60% (diet 40/60) isolated pea protein. Tilapia juveniles with an initial body weight of 2.23–2.27 g were fed in average at a level of 5% of their body weight per day. Highest individual weight gain (WG: 21.39 g) and specific growth rate (SGR: 4.21% day⁻¹) and best feed conversion ratio (FCR: 0.90) were observed in tilapia fed diet 100/0, followed by fish-fed diet 70/30 (WG: 19.09 g; SGR: 4.03% day⁻¹; FCR: 0.98), diet 55/45 (WG: 16.69 g; SGR: 3.80% day⁻¹; FCR: 1.06) and diet 40/60 (WG: 16.18 g; SGR: 3.74% day⁻¹; FCR: 1.06). Although fish fed diet 100/0 showed the best performance, inclusion of 30% protein derived from pea protein isolate resulted in a growth performance (in terms of WG and SGR) that did not differ significantly from diet 100/0 in contrast to fish fed diet 55/45 and 40/60. Crude ash content in the final body composition of the experimental fish decreased with increasing dietary pea protein content, while crude protein and lipid content remained equal between the groups. Significant decreasing growth performance and body ash incorporation of tilapia at higher inclusion levels seem to be mainly related to the dietary amino acid profile and phytic acid contents.     

Effect of Dietary Carbohydrate‐to‐lipid Ratios on Growth Performance,Body Composition,Hepatic Enzyme Activities,and Digestive Enzyme Activities of Juvenile Australian Redclaw Crayfish,Cherax quadricarinatus (von Martens)

A growth experiment was conducted to determine the optimal dietary carbohydrate‐to‐lipid (CHO : L) ratio for the Australian redclaw crayfish, Cherax quadricarinatus (von Martens). Specimens were divided into five treatment groups and fed twice a day to apparent satiation with isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets with dietary CHO : L ratios of 10.75:1, 5.99:1, 3.60:1, 2.18:1, or 1.33:1. Over the 8‐wk growth trial, redclaw crayfish fed the 2.81:1 and 3.60:1 diets exhibited better weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) than specimens fed the other diets (P < 0.05). Activities of hexokinase and pyruvate kinase were stimulated by elevated levels of dietary carbohydrate, whereas activities of lipase and alkaline phosphatase were stimulated by elevated levels of dietary lipid. Dietary CHO : L ratios significantly affected digestive enzyme activities (P < 0.05), except for trypsin (P > 0.05). On the basis of the analysis of growth, FCR, and costs of culturing redclaw crayfish, the optimal growth and costs occurred when the dietary carbohydrate and lipid levels were 290.10 g/kg and 80.70 g/kg, respectively, corresponding to a CHO : L ratio of 3.60:1. These results indicate that a CHO : L ratio of 3.60:1 is optimal for rearing redclaw crayfish and that this species uses carbohydrate more efficiently than lipid.     

Growth,feed efficiency and body composition of juvenile cobia (Rachycentron canadum Linnaeus, 1766) fed increasing dietary levels of shrimp protein hydrolysate

A shrimp protein hydrolysate (SPH) containing 894.2 g kg⁻¹ crude protein (CP) and 54.3 g kg⁻¹ total lipids was tested as a partial replacement for fish meal (FM) in diets of juvenile cobia. The effects of increasing dietary levels of SPH on the survival, weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR), nitrogen retention efficiency (NRE) and daily feed intake (DFI) of cobia with initial body weight of 11.9 g were evaluated. Four isoproteic (from 431.1 to 439.7 g kg⁻¹) and isoenergetic (20 825–21 347 MJ kg⁻¹) diets were formulated to contain 0 (Control), 120, 240 or 360 g kg⁻¹ of dietary CP derived from SPH. Survival, WG, SGR, FCR, NRE and DFI ranged from 90 to 100%, 40.2–56.5 g, 4.7–6.1% day⁻¹, 1.04–1.54, 26.3–44.0% and 4.7–6.0% fish⁻¹ day⁻¹ respectively. Survival and DFI were not affected by the dietary treatments. On the other hand, fish fed the control diet and the one containing 120 g kg⁻¹ SPH had higher WG, SGR and FCR. Nitrogen retention efficiency was significantly higher for fish fed diets 0 and 120. It is concluded that up to 120 g kg⁻¹ of SPH in cobia diets can be used with no significant effects on feed utilization and fish performance.     

Effects of practical dietary protein to lipid levels on growth,digestive enzyme activities and body composition of juvenile rice field eel (Monopterus albus)

A 10-week feeding experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary protein to lipid ratios (P/L) on growth, intestinal digestive enzyme activities and body composition in juvenile rice field eel (Monopterus albus) (initial mean body weight of 65.76 ± 1.07 g, mean ± SEM). Nine test diets were formulated in a 3 × 3 factorial design to contain three protein levels (350, 400 and 450 g kg^?1) for each of three lipid levels (40, 80 and 120 g kg^?1), respectively. Each diet was randomly assigned to triplicate groups of 60 fish per net cage (1.5 × 2.0 × 1.5 m). Results showed the survival was above 96 % and was not affected by dietary treatments. Fish fed the diet with 450 g kg^?1 protein and 40 g kg^?1 lipid showed the best weight gain (WG) (103.95 %) and feed conversion ratio (1.60) (P < 0.05). WG, protein efficiency ratio and energy retention increased with the increasing in lipid at 350 g kg^?1 protein level (P < 0.05). However, WG showed a little decline with increasing dietary lipid when fish fed the diets with 400 and 450 g kg^?1 protein level, but no significant difference was observed (P < 0.05). Hepatosomatic index, visceralsomatic index and intestinal lipase activity increased with the increasing of dietary lipid level irrespective protein level. Intestinal trypsin activity increased with the increasing of dietary lipid level when fish fed the diets with 350 g kg^?1 protein, but showed converse trend when fish fed the diets with 400 and 450 g kg^?1 protein. Serum triglyceride, body lipid and energy were positively correlated with the dietary lipid. Results of the present study showed that the dietary protein/lipid ratio of 450/40 g kg^?1 is considered optimum for rice field eel under culture conditions, and the increase in dietary lipid level has no efficient protein-sparing effect when fish fed the diets with 400 and 450 g kg^?1 protein level.     

黄鳍鲷幼鱼对几种不同糖源的利用

本研究用来评价黄鳍鲷幼鱼对饲料中葡萄糖、麦芽糖、糊精、玉米淀粉和预糊化玉米淀粉的利用。本试验饲料为6种等氮(粗蛋白:45%,干重)等脂(粗脂肪:9%,干重)的半纯化饲料,其中对照组糖源为纤维素。每种饲料设3个平行。试验鱼初始体重为(3.57±0.13)g(平均值±均差)。试验鱼饲养在含18个水族箱的循环系统中。水温保持在(27±1)℃。试验周期为8周。本试验用来评价黄鳍鲷幼鱼对饲料中不同糖源利用的指标为生长指标、饲料效率、蛋白质效率和肝脏的6-磷酸葡萄糖脱氢酶、苹果酸脱氢酶、异柠檬酸脱氢酶和葡萄糖-6-磷酸脱氢酶。试验结果表明,黄鳍鲷幼鱼体增重、特定生长率、肝体比、肠系膜脂肪体比、饲料效率、蛋白质效率、肝脂肪合成有关酶活性和全鱼、肌肉、肝脏组成均受到饲料中不同糖源的显著影响。预糊化玉米淀粉和麦芽糖组比其它糖源组显著具有更好的体增重和特定生长率,但与对照组没有显著性差异。黄鳍鲷幼鱼生长和体增重与饲料中糖源的复杂性没有相关性。饲喂预糊化淀粉和对照饲料鱼的饲料效率和蛋白质效率显著比其它组高。饲料中糖的添加增加了黄鳍鲷幼鱼的肝体比,但对照组肝体比与糊精组,玉米淀粉组没有显著性差异。预糊化玉米淀粉组肠系膜脂肪体比比其它饲料组要高。结论:基于体增重和特定生长率为指标,饲料中添加25%预糊化玉米淀粉和麦芽糖可以提高黄鳍鲷幼鱼的生长。另外,玉米淀粉预糊化显著提高了黄鳍鲷对玉米淀粉的利用。     

Effects of Dietary Carbohydrate‐to‐lipid Ratio on Growth Performance,Body Composition,Digestive Enzyme Activities,and Hepatic Enzyme Activities in Juvenile Large Yellow Croaker,Larimichthys crocea

An 8‐wk feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary carbohydrate‐to‐lipid ratios (CHO : L) on growth performance, body composition, digestive enzyme activities, and hepatic enzyme activities of juvenile large yellow croaker, Larimichthys crocea. Six isonitrogenous (45% crude protein) and isoenergetic (18 kJ/g gross energy) diets with varying CHO : L ratios (0.07, 0.48, 1.20, 2.19, 4.81, and 10.48) were fed to triplicate groups of large yellow croaker in floating sea cages. Results showed that the highest specific growth rate (SGR) was found in fish fed diets with CHO : L ratio of 2.19. Fish fed the lower (0.07 and 0.48) CHO : L ratios tended to produce lower growth (P < 0.05). The whole‐body lipid content significantly decreased, while hepatosomatic index, liver glycogen content, and plasma glucose concentration significantly increased as dietary CHO : L ratios increased (P < 0.05). Plasma total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations significantly decreased with elevated dietary CHO : L ratios (P < 0.05). The increasing dietary CHO : L ratios significantly stimulated the activities of intestinal amylase and hepatic pyruvate kinase and depressed the activity of hepatic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (P < 0.05). Based on a second‐order polynomial regression analysis of SGR, 2.38 was determined as the optimal dietary CHO : L ratio for juvenile large yellow croaker.     

Effect of different dietary raw to pre-gelatinized starch ratios on growth performance,feed utilization and body composition of juvenile yellowfin seabream (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Sparus latus</Emphasis>)

The effects of different ratios of dietary raw to pre-gelatinized starch on the growth performance, feed utilization and body composition of juvenile yellowfin seabream (Sparus latus) were evaluated during a 10-week growth trial. Five isonitrogenous, semi-purified diets containing 200 g kg⁻¹ starch comprising different ratios of raw to pre-gelatinized starch [(in g kg⁻¹)100:100 (diet 1), 150:50 (diet 2), 50:150 (diet 3), 200:0 (diet 4), 0:200 (diet 5), raw:pre-gelatinized] were prepared and fed to triplicate groups of juvenile S. latus. Our results showed that fish fed diet 4 (200 g kg⁻¹ raw starch) had the highest weight gain and specific growth rate, followed by those fed diet 2, diet 1, diet 3 and diet 5. Feed efficiency, protein efficiency ratio and protein productive value in the fish on diets 4 and diet 2, respectively, were significantly higher than those on diets 3 and diet 5, respectively. Body and muscle compositions were unaffected by the different dietary raw to pre-gelatinized starch ratios. Values of hepatosomatic index, intraperitoneal fat ratio, viscerosomatic index and condition factor did not vary among experimental treatments. Plasma indices showed variations, but these were not relative to dietary treatments. In conclusion, the partial or total replacement of raw starch by pre-gelatinized starch in diets for yellowfin seabream did not improve its growth performance and feed utilization.     

Protein-sparing effect of carbohydrate in silver barb, Puntius gonionotus fry

A 30‐day study was undertaken to examine the protein‐sparing effect of carbohydrate in diets for silver barb, Puntius gonionotus fry. Six semi‐purified experimental diets were formulated with two levels of protein (200 and 250 g kg⁻¹ diet) and three levels of carbohydrate (300, 340 and 380 g kg⁻¹ diet). In addition to the six experimental diets, a diet containing the protein and carbohydrate requirement levels of 300 and 260 g kg⁻¹ diet, respectively, as reported earlier for this species, was used as a reference diet. For each dietary treatment, 30 healthy fry of 20 days age (0.12 ± 0.01 g) were stocked in triplicate tanks using a flow‐through system. The fish were fed ad libitum four times a day to a level close to apparent satiation. Batch weighing of fish was done after 15 days of stocking to measure growth and general health status of the fish. The fish fed 250 g protein and 340 g carbohydrate kg⁻¹ diet with a protein to energy ratio of 17.86 g protein MJ⁻¹ performed equally well in terms of growth and nutrient utilization as the reference diet group. The study indicates that dietary protein can be reduced from 300 to 250 g kg⁻¹ diet by increasing carbohydrate from 260 to 340 g kg⁻¹ diet without sacrificing the growth of silver barb fry.     

Effect of dietary protein on growth, feed conversion, body composition and survival of pike perch fingerlings (Sander lucioperca)

Triplicate groups of pike perch (Sander lucioperca) juveniles were fed six experimental diets containing protein levels varying from 263 to 619 g kg⁻¹ dry matter (d.m.) for 56 days. Dietary protein was supplied by graded amounts of fish meal (with 720 g kg⁻¹ crude protein). Crude lipid and gross energy content of 101–107 g kg⁻¹ and 19.9–20.6 MJ kg⁻¹ remained constant between experimental diets. Pike perch with an initial body weight of 1.05 ± 0.05 g were randomly distributed in 18 tanks of two similar recirculation systems and fed on gradually decreasing feeding rates of 10 to 6% of their body weight per day. Growth performance and feed conversion increased with dietary protein level from 263 to 549 g kg⁻¹ d.m. but did not decline at highest dietary protein level. Protein efficiency ratio declined linearly with increasing dietary protein. Survival ranged between 89.7 and 93.9% and was not affected by dietary composition. Dry matter and crude lipid content of pike perch fingerlings decreased with increasing dietary protein supply and significantly the lowest dry matter and crude lipid levels were observed in fish fed diets containing 619 g kg⁻¹ of crude protein. The dietary protein requirement for pike perch fingerlings calculated by broken‐line and second‐order polynomial regression ranged between 529 and 577 g kg⁻¹, respectively.     

Effects of dietary carbohydrate to lipid ratio on growth,feed utilization,body composition and digestive enzyme activities of golden pompano (Trachinotus ovatus)

An 8‐week feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary carbohydrate to lipid ratio (CHO: L) on growth, feed utilization, body composition and digestive enzyme activities of golden pompano, Trachinotus ovatus. Five iso‐nitrogenous (450 g/kg protein) and iso‐energetic (19 MJ/kg gross energy) diets with varying CHO: L ratios of 0.68, 1.02, 1.62, 2.61 and 4.35, respectively, were fed to triplicate groups of 30 fish (average 13.8 ± 0.1 g). Results showed that dietary CHO: L ratios did not show any significant influence on survival of golden pompano (p > .05) but significantly affected its growth performance and feed utilization (p < .05). Fish fed diets with CHO: L ratios at 1.62 and 2.61 exhibited the highest final body weight, weight gain ratio, specific growth rate, feed efficiency ratio and protein efficiency ratio. Fish body lipid and liver glycogen contents were also significantly influenced by CHO: L ratio (p < .05). Hepatic amylase activity increased firstly and then decreased as the dietary CHO: L ratio increased, while lipases activity decreased with increasing dietary CHO:L level. The regression model analysis showed that the most suitable dietary CHO: L ratio (protein 450 g/kg) to reach the highest weight gain ratio is 2.38.