Effect of dietary taurine levels on growth and feeding behavior of juvenile Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary taurine levels on growth and feeding behavior of juvenile Japanese flounder. Three different taurine level diets were prepared by supplementation of taurine (T-0%, 0.5% and 1.5%) to the basal diet. Fish meal washed with 70% ethanol to remove taurine was used as the sole protein source. Feeding experiments were carried out twice at 20 °C by using different size of fish (average body weight: 0.3 g in Experiment I and 3.7 g in Experiment II). The feeding behavior of fish was observed throughout the experimental period. At the end of experiments, fish were killed for amino acids analysis.

The final average body weight and feed efficiency of juvenile Japanese flounder fed the T-1.5% diet was significantly higher than those of fish fed the T-0% diet in Experiments I and II. Abnormal feeding behavior such as multiple feeding while swimming in the water column was observed in the T-0% group in Experiment I. These findings indicate that taurine is essential for normal growth and development of normal feeding behavior of juvenile Japanese flounder.     

Influence of different dietary amino acid patterns on growth and body composition of juvenile Japanese flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus

A feeding trial using five semi-purified diets (50% crude protein) was conducted to investigate the effects of different dietary amino acid patterns on growth and body composition of juvenile Japanese flounder. The control diet contained casein and gelatin as intact protein sources and four other diets contained 30% casein–gelatin (2:1, w/w) and 20% crystalline amino acids (CAA). CAA were added to the diets to simulate the amino acid pattern found in red sea bream egg protein (REP), Japanese flounder larvae whole body protein (FLP), Japanese flounder juvenile whole body protein (FJP), and brown fish meal protein (BFP), respectively. The test diets were fed to triplicate groups of juveniles (2.75±0.05 g) twice a day for 40 days to evaluate weight gain, survival, feed conversion efficiency (FCE), protein efficiency ratio (PER), and apparent protein utilization (APU). The apparent retention of total dietary amino acids in the whole body and A/E ratios of the whole body were also evaluated. The highest weight gain was observed in fish fed the diet containing the dietary amino acid pattern of BFP followed by fish fed the control, FJP, FLP and the REP diets. Percent survival, FCE, PER and APU were also significantly (P<0.05) affected by the amino acid pattern in the diets, indicating the highest value in fish fed the BFP diet. Except for a few amino acids, the amino acid composition of the whole body did not show marked differences with different dietary amino acid pattern. Results suggest that BFP could be more suitable as a reference amino acid pattern in the diet of juvenile Japanese flounder compared to the amino acid pattern of FLP, FJP or REP.     

Effect of taurine supplemented practical diet on growth performance and taurine contents in whole body and tissues of juvenile Japanese flounder <Emphasis Type="Italic">Paralichthys olivaceus</Emphasis>

ABSTRACT:   The effect of dietary taurine on juvenile Japanese flounder was determined by feeding three taurine-supplemented experimental diets (TAU) and a commercial diet (CD) to evaluate a practical diet for juvenile Japanese flounder. Juvenile Japanese flounder were reared on the three experimental diets supplemented with taurine at 0, 0.5, 1.0% and CD. These diets were fed to juvenile Japanese flounder of an initial mean body weight of 0.2 g for 6 weeks at 20°C and the taurine contents of the whole body and tissues were analyzed. The final average body weight of juvenile Japanese flounder fed the 1.0% TAU was significantly higher than that of the other groups. Taurine contents in the whole body and tissues increased with the increase in dietary taurine level. These results indicate that juvenile Japanese flounder require at least 15 mg/g taurine in the diet, even though a combined mix of fish, krill and squid meal was the main protein source in the experimental diets.     

褐牙鲆幼鱼能量分配对限制溶解氧供应及恢复的响应

实验采用循环水养殖系统,通过水流量控制溶解氧供给,设计不同溶解氧供应和限制溶解氧供应及恢复两个实验来研究褐牙鲆(Paralichthys olivaceus)幼鱼生长及能量分配等指标的响应。在不同溶解氧供应实验中,溶解氧含量梯度设置为2.24 mg/L,3.14 mg/L,4.27 mg/L,5.38 mg/L,6.94 mg/L,实验结束时褐牙鲆幼鱼体重、日生长系数、摄食率、以湿重表示的饲料转化效率与溶解氧含量呈正相关(P0.05)。单尾鱼的摄食能随着溶解氧含量的下降而减少,生长能的比例在溶氧为5.38 mg/L时最高。排粪能的比例则随着溶解氧含量的下降而上升,排泄能比例随溶解氧含量下降也略有增加,代谢能的比例随着溶解氧含量的下降呈先下降后上升的趋势,在溶解氧含量为5.38 mg/L时最低(37.66%)。单位体重能量收支中,所有指标与溶解氧含量都有明显的正相关关系(P0.05),随着溶解氧含量的提高而显著提高。实验表明,低溶解氧含量下,褐牙鲆幼鱼通过减少能量供应降低摄食率和饲料转化效率,其生长受到抑制。在限制溶解氧供应及恢复实验中,经历10 d低溶解氧含量2 mg/L(S_2)和4 mg/L(S_4)胁迫的褐牙鲆幼鱼生长受到抑制,但在恢复正常溶解氧后10 d内体重即与对照组无显著差异(P0.05)。恢复期间褐牙鲆幼鱼的摄食率明显高于对照组(P0.05),饲料转化效率略高于对照组。恢复阶段不同处理在摄食能、生长能比例和呼吸能比例上没有显著差异(P0.05),但经历低溶解氧胁迫的处理摄食能和生长能比例略高于对照处理,而代谢耗能比例略低于对照处理。S2处理的排泄能比例显著低于其余2个处理(P0.05)。实验表明褐牙鲆幼鱼对短期低溶解氧含量有较强的适应能力,能够通过提高摄食率在较短的恢复期获得完全补偿生长。本研究揭示了褐牙鲆在低溶氧胁迫下的能量分配规律,为深入研究鱼类适应溶解氧波动环境的策略积累资料。     

Effect of feeding ratio on growth and body composition of juvenile olive flounder Paralichthys olivaceus fed extruded pellets during the summer season

The effect of feeding ratio on growth and body composition of juvenile olive flounder fed extruded pellets was determined during the summer season. Thirty juvenile olive flounder (initial body weight of 17 g) per tank were distributed into 21, 180-l flow-through tanks. Seven treatments that included triplicate groups of feeding ratio in 5% decrement were prepared for this study: 100% (satiation), 95%, 90%, 85%, 80%, 75% and 70% of satiation. Fish in the control group were hand-fed to apparent satiation twice a day. Then feed allowance in the rest of the six groups was determined based on average feed consumption in the control group. The feeding trial lasted for 7 weeks. Survival was over 97% and was not significantly (P > 0.05) affected by the feeding ratios. Weight gain and SGR of fish fed to 100% of satiation were not significantly different from those fed to 95% of satiation but significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those of fish fed to 90%, 85%, 80%, 75% and 70% of satiation. Weight gain, SGR and feed consumption of flounder linearly (P < 0.001) decreased with a decrease in feeding ratio. However, feed efficiency ratio, protein efficiency ratio and protein retention in fish body were not significantly (P > 0.05) affected by the feeding ratio. The crude protein levels of the whole body without liver or liver were significantly affected by the feeding ratio. Hepatosomatic index and condition factor of fish were not significantly (P > 0.05) affected by the feeding ratio. It can be concluded that optimum feeding ratio for growth of juvenile olive flounder could be lowered to 95% of satiation without growth suppression.     

Optimal dietary taurine level for growth of juvenile Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus

The requirement for taurine in juvenile Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus was determined by feeding diets containing various levels of taurine and cystine. Test diets supplemented with 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5% of taurine or with 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5% of L -cystine were prepared. The basal diet contained 55% protein from white fish meal. These diets were fed to juvenile Japanese flounder with an initial mean bodyweight of 0.9 g (total length (TL) 48 mm) for 5 weeks. Approximately 1.4% taurine content in the diet was required for optimum growth of juvenile flounder. A positive linear relationship was noted between the content of taurine accumulated in the muscle, liver and brain and the level of taurine in the diet. However, there was no increased taurine content in tissues of fish fed the cystine-supplemented diet. In contrast, the fish fed control and cystine-supplemented diets showed higher contents of cystathionine in the tissues. The concentration of cystathionine in tissues rapidly decreased with an increase of taurine in the diet. It was also observed that for each of the dietary groups, a trace amount of taurine was excreted. These results suggest that the taurine content in the diet affects the sulfur amino acid metabolism of juvenile Japanese flounder, and indicate that juvenile flounder are unable to biosynthesize taurine from cystine.     

Effect of different dietary taurine levels on the conjugated bile acid composition and growth performance of juvenile and fingerling Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus

This study investigated the effects of different taurine levels on the conjugated bile acid composition and growth performance of juvenile and fingerling Japanese flounder. Five level diets of dietary taurine were prepared by the supplementation of taurine (0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5 and 1.5%) to a basal composition. Fish meal washed with 70% ethanol to remove taurine was used as the sole protein source. Two feeding experiments were carried out at 20 °C by using different sized fish (BW: 0.7 g and 9.6 g). Both size groups of fish were fed the experimental diets for 6 weeks. At the end of experiments, fish were weighed and stored at − 80 °C for analysis of free amino acids and conjugated bile acids composition. The body weight and feed efficiency of Japanese flounder were improved by taurine supplementation in the experimental diets. The taurine contents of the whole body and tissues increased with the increase of the taurine supplementation. The conjugated bile acids in gall bladder were composed with taurocholic acid (Expt.I: 33.0-146.8 mg/ml; Expt.II: 64.8-145.3 mg/ml) and taurochenodeoxycholic acid (Expt.I: 0.8-5.5 mg/ml; Expt.II: 3.5-4.9 mg/ml). These bile acids increased with the increase of the dietary taurine level. Taurocholic acid accounted for more than 95% of the total conjugated bile acids. No other conjugated bile acids except the taurine conjugated bile acids were detected in the gall bladder of Japanese flounder. This means that taurine is the sole amino acid to conjugate bile acid in Japanese flounder. Dietary taurine intake affects the conjugated bile acid composition in juvenile and fingerling Japanese flounder.     

乳制品-酵母益生元对星斑川鲽幼鱼生长性能和抗氧化能力的影响

选取平均初始体重为15.05±0.04g的星斑川鲽幼鱼540尾,随机分成6组,每组3个重复,分别饲喂添加0、0.4%、0.8%、1.2%、1.6%和2.0%乳制品-酵母益生元的试验饲料,实验期56d。结果表明：1）饲料中添加乳制品-酵母益生元可显著提高星斑川鲽幼鱼的增重率(WGR)、特定生长率(SGR)、摄食率(DFI)、蛋白质效率(PER)及肥满度(CF)(P<0.05),显著降低饲料系数(FCR)(P<0.05),但对星斑川鲽幼鱼的脏体比(VSI)、肝体比(HSI)无显著影响(P>0.05)。2）饲料中添加乳制品-酵母益生元显著提高了星斑川鲽幼鱼血清过氧化氢酶(CAT)、总超氧化物歧化酶(T-SOD)、抗超氧阴离子自由基(O2-?)的活性和总抗氧化能力(T-AOC)(P<0.05),显著提高星斑川鲽幼鱼肝脏中总超氧化物歧化酶(T-SOD)活性和总抗氧化能力(T-AOC)(P<0.05),同时显著降低了血清和肝脏中丙二醛(MDA)的含量(P<0.05)。本研究条件下,饲料中添加乳制品-酵母益生元可提高星斑川鲽幼鱼的生长性能及抗氧化能力,以特定生长率为评价指标,二次回归分析得出星斑川鲽幼鱼饲料中乳制品-酵母益生元的适宜添加量为1.32%。     

Influences of feeding frequency of extruded pellet and moist pellet on growth and body composition of juvenile Japanese flounder <Emphasis Type="Italic">Paralichthys olivaceus</Emphasis> in suboptimal water temperatures

This study was carried out to investigate the influences of feeding frequency of extruded pellet and moist pellet on growth and body composition of juvenile flounder (initial mean weight 6.3 g) in sub optimal water temperatures. A 2 (diets: extruded pellet and moist pellet)×2 (feeding frequencies: two and three times daily)×2 (water temperatures: 12 and 17°C) factorial design with three replications was used. After 60 days of feeding, the feeding frequency did not significantly affect growth performance of fish. Weight gain, daily feed intake, feed efficiency and protein efficiency ratio were significantly (P<0.05) higher for fish reared at the higher water temperature. At the same water temperature, weight gain, feed efficiency, and protein efficiency ratio were significantly (P<0.05) higher for fish fed the extruded pellet than moist pellet. The results of this study indicate that feeding frequency of two times daily is sufficient for optimal growth of juvenile flounder when reared in suboptimal water temperatures, and an increase in water temperature from 12 to 17°C improved growth and feed efficiency.     

Compensatory Growth of Juvenile Flounder Paralichthys olivaceus L. and Changes in Biochemical Composition and Body Condition Indices during Starvation and after Refeeding in Winter Season

Compensatory growth and changes in biochemical composition, hematocrit and body condition indices of juvenile flounder Paralichthys olivaceus were assessed during starvation and after refeeding. Twenty juvenile fish were stocked into each 200‐L flow‐through tank to give five treatments with three replicates per treatment: control group fish (C) were hand fed to apparent satiation twice daily for 8 wk, whereas the Sl, S2, S3, and S4 fish were hand fed to apparent satiation twice daily for 7, 6, 5, and 4 wk after 1, 2, 3, and 4 wk of starvation, respectively. During starvation, weight decreased linearly with periods of feed deprivation up to 3 wk. Survival was not significantly different among treatments. At the end of the feeding trial, weight gain (g/fish) and specific growth rate (SGR) of flounder in S2 was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those of fish in S3 or S4, but not significantly different from those of fish in C or Sl. Feed consumption of flounder (g/fish) was proportional to duration of feeding except for that of fish in S2. Feed efficiency ratio (FER) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) values for flounder in S2 were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those for fish in C, but not significantly different from those for fish in Sl, S3, or S4. During starvation, hepatosomatic index (HSI) and lipid content of flounder without liver decreased with periods of feed deprivation. However, HSI and condition factor (CF) for flounder in S2 were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those for fish in Sl, S3, S4 and C except for CF in Sl at the end of the feeding trial. Proximate composition of flounder without the liver was not significantly different among treatments at the end of the feeding trial. In considering above results, juvenile flounder achieved compensatory growth with up to 2‐wk feed deprivation. Compensatory growth of flounder fed for 6 wk after 2‐wk feed deprivation was well supported by improvement in SGR, FER, and PER. HSI could be a good index to monitor changes in body condition during starvation and after refeeding.     

Effects of Dietary Chlorella ellipsoidea Supplementation on Growth, Blood Characteristics, and Whole-Body Composition in Juvenile Japanese Flounder Paralichthys olivaceus

The study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary Chlorella powder (C) supplementation on growth performance, blood characteristics, and whole-body composition in juvenile Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus . Four experimental diets were supplemented with C at 0, 1, 2 and 4% (C₀, C₁, C₂, and C₄) on a dry-weight basis. Three replicate groups of fish averaging 1.13 ± 0.02 g (Mean ± SD) were randomly distributed in each aquarium and fed one of four experimental diets for 12 wk. After 12 wk of the feeding trial, fish fed C₂ diet had higher weight gain (WG), feed efficiency (FE), and protein efficiency ratio (PER) than did fish fed C₀ and C₁ diets ( P 0.05); however, there was no significant difference among fish fed C₁ and C₄ diets, and among fish fed C₂ and C₄ diets ( P > 0.05). Fish fed C₂ and C₄ diets had a lower serum cholesterol level than did fish fed C₀ and C₁ diets ( P 0.05). Fish fed C₂ and C₄ diets had a lower body fat than did fish fed C₀ ( P 0.05). These results indicate that dietary supplementation of 2% Chlorella powder in the commercial diets could improve growth, feed utilization, serum cholesterol level, and whole-body fat contents in juvenile Japanese flounder.     

饲料中豆粕替代鱼粉比例对牙鲆生长性能及生化指标的影响

以鱼粉和豆粕分别为主要动物性和植物性蛋白源,研究饲料中不同豆粕替代鱼粉比例对牙鲆幼鱼生长性能和生化指标的影响。设计4∶1、3∶1、2∶1和1∶1四种不同动植物蛋白比的等氮等脂饲料配方,按配方制备试验饲料,分别表示为D1、D2、D3和D4。牙鲆幼鱼随机分配到12个设有循环水系统的玻璃钢桶内(900L),每3桶鱼饲喂一种饲料,每天投喂饲料2次,每次达到表观饱食,饲喂期为56d。以增重率(WGR)、饵料系数(FCR)、特定生长率(SGR)、蛋白质效率(PER)、肝体指数(HSI)、肥满度(CF)、鱼体成分和饲料成本为依据,综合评价饲料中不同比例的豆粕替代鱼粉比例对牙鲆的饲养效果。通过测定尿素氮(BUN)、谷丙转氨酶(GPT)、谷草转氨酶(GOT)、游离脂肪酸(FFA)、总蛋白(TP)、甘油三酯(TG)、胆固醇(CHO)、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)及低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)等生化指标,研究饲料中不同豆粕替代鱼粉比例对牙鲆蛋白质代谢和脂肪代谢的影响。随豆粕比例的增加,WGR、PER和SGR逐渐降低,FCR逐渐增加,当饲料中豆粕比例在24%以上时差异显著(P<0.05);HSI逐渐增加,且D1组显著低于其他...     

Effect of dietary fish protein hydrolysate on growth,feed utilization and IGF‐I levels of Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus)

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of fish protein hydrolysate on growth performance, insulin‐like growth factor I (IGF‐I) levels and the expression levels of liver IGF‐I mRNA in juvenile Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus). Fish hydrolysate was produced by enzymatic (alcalase and flavourzyme) treatment and size‐fractionated by ultrafiltration. The permeate after ultrafiltration (UF) and the non‐ultrafiltered fish hydrolysate were tested as feed ingredients using high plant protein diets. Fish meal was used in the control diet (FM). The feeding trial lasted for 60 days, and fish fed with 37 g kg^?1 UF showed the best growth, feed efficiency, digestibility and protein utilization. Plasma IGF‐I level was examined with radioimmunoassay, and the expression levels of liver IGF‐I mRNA were evaluated using real‐time PCR normalized against the 18S rRNA gene. Plasma IGF‐I levels were significantly increased by inclusion of fish protein hydrolysate. Liver IGF‐I mRNA expression was significantly higher in fish fed with 37 g kg^?1 UF diet than fish fed with control diet. The results indicated that small molecular weight compounds from fish protein hydrolysate showed a positive effect on growth and feed utilization in juvenile Japanese flounder. Dietary fish protein hydrolysate could improve plasma IGF‐I levels and liver IGF‐I mRNA expression in Japanese flounder.     

Effects of feeding frequency and feed type on the growth,feed utilization and body composition of juvenile olive flounder,Paralichthys olivaceus

A factorial (3 × 4) feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effects of feeding frequency and feed type on the growth performance, feed utilization and body proximate composition of juvenile olive flounder. Three feed types including a sinking moist pellet (MP), a sinking dry pellet (DP) and a floating extruded pellet (EP) were used. Fish (average weight, 11.1 ± 0.4 g) were randomly distributed in thirty‐six 300 L tanks in a flowthrough system. Triplicate groups (30 fish per tank) of fish were fed each feed type to visual satiation at three meals per day, two meals per day, one meal per day and one meal every 2 days for 7 weeks. At the end of the feeding trial, the survival of fish was not significantly different among the treatments. Weight gain was affected by the feeding frequency. The highest weight gain was observed in fish fed the EP at three meals per day. The daily feed intake of fish fed the MP and DP tended to be higher than that of fish fed the EP at each feeding frequency. The feed efficiency and the protein efficiency ratio of fish fed the EP were higher than those of fish fed the MP and DP. The body proximate composition of fish was altered by the feeding frequency. The crude lipid content increased with the increase in the feeding frequency. The present findings suggest that three feedings per day at visual satiation of the floating EP may be sufficient for the maximal growth performance of olive flounder grown from 11 to 60 g.     

Stable cell-surface expression of Japanese flounder growth hormone in yeast <Emphasis Type="Italic">Saccharomyces cerevisiae</Emphasis> and growth-promoting effect on juvenile fish by oral administration

A cost-effective method for producing and using recombinant growth hormone (GH) has been developed. A cell-surface protein display system was constructed to produce recombinant Japanese flounder growth hormone (r-JfGH) in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and the biological activity of expressed r-JfGH was evaluated by oral delivery to juvenile Japanese flounder. The expression vector pYD-E2, containing the JfGH gene, S. cerevisiae GAL1 promoter, and the S.cerevisiae URA3 gene downstream and upstream sequences, was designed and constructed to integrate the GH gene into the yeast genome and secrete r-JfGH stably on the surface of the yeast cell. Expression of r-JfGH was confirmed by flow cytometry until the 50th continuous generation of transgenic yeast strain y-E2, and over 0.98 μg r-JfGH per 1 mg total protein of y-E2 was estimated by an ELISA–RA assay. Growth of Japanese flounder was promoted significantly by the direct supplementation of freeze-dried transgenic yeast into the Japanese flounder juvenile feed at levels of 0.5 and 1%. The weight-specific growth rate and feed conversion ratio of the treated groups were 23.07 and 21.57% (0.5% feeding level) and 28.85 and 41.18% (1% feeding level), respectively, higher than that of the control group in a 7-week bioactivity study.     

Effect of Dietary Inclusion of Blue Mussel Extract on Growth and Body Composition of Japanese Flounder Paralichthys olivaceus

Dietary inclusion of a water-soluble fraction of blue mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis was examined as a feeding stimulant for juvenile Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus . The control diet mainly consisted of fish meal, potato starch, and pollack liver oil. Five, 10, and 20% (weight/weight) of the control diet was exchanged with aqueous extracts of blue mussel meat in experimental groups. Fish of about 10 g in initial body weight were fed each diet to satiation, twice daily, 6 d per wk for 6 wk at 20 C. The final body weight, weight gain, and feed efficiency of fish fed the diets containing blue mussel extracts were significantly higher than those of fish fed the control diet. However, these parameters were not different among experimental groups containing blue mussel extract independent of the inclusion level of extract. A similar trend was shown in protein efficiency ratio as fish fed the control diet had a significantly lower protein efficiency ratio than the other dietary groups. Compared to the control diet, higher plasma protein and lower triglyceride were found in fish fed the diets with the extract, while other blood constituents were relatively similar for the dietary groups tested. On the other hand, whole-body crude lipid content and lipid retention of fish fed the diets with the extract were generally significantly higher than those of fish fed the control diet. Whole body crude protein was identical regardless of the dietary composition; however, protein retention of fish showed a similar trend to lipid retention.     

Effects of Water Velocity on Conditioning of Summer Flounder,Paralichthys dentatus,for Net Pens

Abstract

Attempts to rear summer flounder, Paralichthys dentatus, in net pens have suffered from high mortality during the month after fish were transferred from a nursery facility to pens. We investigated whether exposing summer flounder to increased (and constant) current velocity in the nursery stage would condition them for better performance in cages. Three experiments were conducted with different water velocities in tanks, using fish of 124±4 g (exposed to 0, 15, or 30 cm/sec for 60 d), 257±12 g (exposed to 0, 20, or 40 cm/sec for 60 d) and 387±13 g (exposed to 0, 15, or 30 cm/sec for 30 d), in a raceway system with adjustable paddlewheels. For all of the size groups of fish, survival was significantly reduced at the highest current velocity. For both 124-g and 257-g fish, growth in the medium-velocity treatment was significantly better than that in the control (0 cm/sec) treatment, which in turn was better than that in the high-velocity treatment. For 387-g fish, growth at medium velocity was significantly greater than that at high velocity; control fish were lost due to a system malfunction. Food consumption data from the 257-g fish showed that the fish in medium velocity grew most because they consumed significantly more food during the experiment than did fish in the control, which in turn consumed significantly more than fish in high velocity. Similarly, 387-g fish in medium velocity consumed the most food, but the difference was not significant in this case. At the end of the laboratory experiment with 124-g fish, fish from the control and medium-velocity treatments were moved to cages in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island, where currents of about 1 knot (approx. 55 cm/second) are routine. After three weeks in the cages, no significant differences in survival were observed (control = 83±12%; medium velocity = 81±2%). Subsequent damage to some of the cages and escapement of the fish precluded further statistical analysis of survival, as well as any growth measurements. At the end of the laboratory experiment with 387-g fish, fish from medium- and high-velocity treatments were moved to the cages; however, survival in this case was very low (<10% in all cages), perhaps due to heavy waves from an offshore hurricane. We conclude that current velocities of 15-20 cm/second in the nursery improve growth of juvenile summer flounder, that current velocities of 30-40 cm/second are excessive, but that increased current velocity in the nursery does not improve fish survival upon transfer to cages.     

Evaluation of cottonseed and soybean meal as partial replacement for fishmeal in diets for juvenile Japanese flounder <Emphasis Type="Italic">Paralichthys olivaceus</Emphasis>

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of cottonseed and soybean meal (CS) on growth performance, feed utilization, and gossypol accumulation in juvenile (mean body weight 11 g) Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus. Five isonitrogenous and isocaloric experimental diets (designated CS0, CS10, CS20, CS30, and CS40) containing 0, 10, 20, 30, and 40% CS mixture (1∶1 w/w) were formulated. After 9 weeks of feeding trial, fish fed all diets did not show significant differences in growth performances, feed utilization, and whole body compositions. Hemoglobin content gradually decreased (P<0.05) with increments of CS inclusion levels. There was a positive linear relationship between dietary gossypol and total liver gossypol contents. Free radical scavenging activity in the experimental diets gradually increased with increment of dietary CS inclusion. This finding indicates that the mixture of cottonseed and soybean meal with methionine and lysine supplementation could replace up to 40% of fishmeal protein in diets. However, 20% fishmeal protein replacement by dietary inclusion of cottonseed (9.4%) and soybean (8.7%) meal might be the optimum and safe level for the commercial use of CS in juvenile Japanese flounder.     

Effects of feeding frequency and dietary energy level on growth and body composition of juvenile flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus (Temminck & Schlegel)

A two (dietary energy levels; low energy, LE and high energy, HE) × 4 (feeding frequency; one feeding in 2 days, one feeding daily, two times daily and three times daily) factorial experiment was performed to determine the effects of dietary energy level and/or feeding frequency on the growth and body composition of juvenile flounder Paralichthys olivaceus. The survival rate was not significantly different among treatments. Weight gain of fish fed the LE and HE diets significantly increased as feeding frequency increased. The weight gain of fish fed the LE diet was higher at each level of increasing feeding frequency. The weight gain of fish fed the HE diet was higher than that of fish fed the LE diet once in 2 days and once daily, but weight gain of fish fed the HE diet was lower than the LE diet three times daily. Daily feed intake was significantly influenced by feeding frequency, but not by dietary energy level. Feed efficiency of fish fed the HE diet once daily was significantly higher than that of fish fed the LE diet once in 2 days, but no significant difference in feed efficiency was observed among other groups of fish. The protein efficiency ratio of fish fed the LE diet once in 2 days was the lowest. Feeding frequency and dietary energy level had a significant effect on the body lipid content. A feeding frequency of two times or three times daily would be effective, depending on dietary energy level for maximum growth of juvenile flounder grown from 3.5 to 15 g.     

Dietary supplemental effects of red seaweed Eucheuma denticulatum on growth performance,carcass composition and blood chemistry of juvenile Japanese flounder,Paralichthys olivaceus

A 56‐day feeding trial was conducted to determine the effects of supplementing diets of juvenile Japanese flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus, with Eucheuma denticulatum (EDP). Isonitrogenous and isolipidic test diets were prepared using a fishmeal‐based positive control diet (PC) and a fishmeal‐soy protein concentrate negative control diet (NC) supplemented with 3 (D3%), 6 (D6%) and 9% (D9%) EDP. The test diets were assigned to tanks (12 fish tank^?1, initial mean body weight of 0.42 ± 0.01 g) in triplicates. Results of the feeding trial indicated that growth rates and feed efficiency significantly improved (P < 0.05) when 3% EDP was supplemented in the diets. However, there was a significant reduction (P < 0.05) of growth and feed efficiency in fish fed diets with higher supplementation levels. Protein, lipid, dry matter and ash contents of carcass and their corresponding nutrient retention values were not markedly altered in all dietary treatments. Fish fed diets supplemented with EDP exhibited higher (P < 0.05) omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid accumulation in dorsal muscle when compared with those of fish fed NC. Blood chemical parameters showed significant differences (P < 0.05) in total cholesterol and triglyceride levels. These results suggest that EDP can be efficiently utilized by Japanese flounder and can promote best growth and feed utilization at a level of 3%.